Every parent is aware of the importance of limiting their children’s screen time, but the way they spend this time also makes a difference. The time your little ones spend in front of screens doesn’t have to be all bad, and it’s important to understand the difference between passive and active screen time so you could know how to limit unproductive media usage.
Passive Screen Time
Passive screen time should be reduced to the minimum because it doesn’t aid your child’s mental engagement. Some of the most notable examples are passive social media scrolling, binge-watching TV shows and videos on YouTube, and playing repetitive games.
Passive screen time can offer relaxation, entertainment, and exposure to informative content, but it’s important to strike a balance because it usually doesn’t provide too much room for creativity or interaction.
Active Screen Time
Active screen time promotes movement and active participation, and it’s more mentally and physically stimulating for your children. Active screen time is not all that bad because it can help your little ones develop their language, social and physical skills.
Active screen time involves such activities as playing interactive video games and educational apps, watching exercise or dance videos, using fitness apps or trackers, or even reading books, editing photos, and coding once your kids become old enough to participate in these activities.