The American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental health recently published the new 5 C’s Media Use Guide. Based on their research, here is a brief summary of the 5 C’s of recommended healthy developmental media use. Source: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health (2024)
1. Child
What personality type is your child? Is she drawn to media? If so, how does media affect her?
Is your child attracted to harmful content or educational media?
Does social media promote anxiety or calm?
2. Content
What does your child like to watch? The type of content influences whether your child has a positive or negative relationship with media.
Think and discuss what video games will influence in positive ways vs negative impact.
3. Calm
What are ways your child can learn to manage heightened emotions and be able to fall asleep at night? Is media the best way for him to deal with emotions and sleep? What video or media will help and what venues should be avoided?
4. Crowding Out
Is media crowding out things, events and people your family values? If so, what can your family do to reclaim time together? Your family may want to reclaim quality family time, meal time conversations, sleep, outdoor recreation…what will you need to do to make these happen? What’s the plan to ensure these priorities will take place?
5. Communication
Discuss media when your children and young and keep up the conversations. Ask questions and be open-minded as you converse with your child.
For more information check out our online course 5 Things You Need to Know so Video Games Won't Ruin Your Kids
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