Flick Off: More Face Time, Less Screen Time |

Media and Young Minds

Letting your child use a tablet/computer/smartphone is an excellent way of introducing them to technology, but too much screen time has the potential of putting your child at risk. The American Academy of Pediatrics released a policy statement about young children (ages 0-5) and digital media use. They reviewed existing literature and found that excessive digital media use can be harmful for young children. Excessive digital media use can lead to shorter nighttime sleep duration, increased body mass index and behavioural issues. Some of their recommendations include:

Actively monitoring your child's use of digital media
Avoid letting children use digital media by themselves; instead use media together because this is how children learn best
Consumption of digital media should be restricted to one hour or less per day
Avoid using devices before bedtime
Seek quality programming or apps

Help Your Child Understand What They are Watching

You can provide context to the content your child is viewing. Use this as an opportunity to explain concepts and to engage your child in a dialogue about healthy activities. Perhaps you and your child were watching Sesame Street and saw Grover riding a bike; go outside and ride a bike! Maybe you and your child saw Cookie Monster devouring cookies; discuss with your child the importance of moderation. Use topics introduced on these shows as a springboard to teach your child about the world around them.

More Than Just a "Book Warehouse"

Our libraries are spaces that provide intellectually stimulating environments for all. We are community hubs with a wealth of resources, programs and services. We recognize the importance of learning at all ages and the importance of providing services to all. Here are some of the resources, programs and services that you and your child can access without sitting in front of a screen.

Take your child to one of our library staff-led Ready for Reading storytimes; Baby Time, Toddler Time, Preschool Time, Family Time, S.T.E.M. Storytime or Pyjama Time programs help prepare your child for preschool or kindergarten.
At select branches, discover our KidsStop Early Literacy Centres, interactive and engaging spaces for young children to learn and explore.
Enjoy a themed puppet show or craft program that will delight your child.
Check-out a Sun Life Financial Museum +Arts Pass from the library and explore a museum or gallery with your child.
Borrow a Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument from Parkdale Branch and play sweet lullabies to your child à la Jack Johnson.
Listen to stories in other languages through Hear-a-Story or Dial-a-Story.
Looking for activities you can do at home? Take a look at some of our fun activities for you and your child.

Reduce Screen Time by Reading a Book!

Have a conversation with library staff about topics that are of interest to your child. We'll select titles that will pique your child's interest and that will help grow their love for reading. Browse our collections and let your child select books that interest them. We also have eBooks and eAudiobooks for you and your child.

Books for Reluctant Readers

If you have a reluctant reader, consider reading books based on popular characters such as Clifford, Curious George, Thomas the Tank Engine, Arthur, etc. These are characters that were first introduced in books before transitioning to television. Books with popular characters help introduce new stories that your child may not have seen on television. Read books again and again so your child becomes comfortable with the story. Eventually they will recognize the words and be able to read the story back to you.