Is TV considered screen time or just technology?
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I know that there are recommendations to limit screen time for children based on their age. However, I wondered if the screen time guidelines are just for the use of tablets, phones, computers, and technology. Is TV time included in that guideline? If so, that would make a big difference in the amount of time spent sitting around and spacing over whatever they are watching.     
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Answers (4)
Best answer chosen by asker
TV is screen time in our house. When I was growing up, the television was always on. I remember in high school waking up, showering, and watching tv before getting ready for school. We always watched the news before or during dinner...my grandparents always had the tv on (remember Sunday movies?!). And we never thought twice about it. Now, it's such a hot topic.
We just don't have the tv on as background noise in my house. I can't speak for my parents, but my kids are miserable grouches when they spent too much time in front of a tv. I remember playing outside a lot, obviously, but the idea of the tv being on all the time right now makes me cringe. This doesn't mean they don't watch it! We just limit it and let them do it on their own time. It's all about balance in my book.
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Yes, I too, agree that TV time is also considered screen time. It's interesting as smart phones tell you how much 'screen time' you have used for that day and can make it seem that when you aren't looking at your phone that you aren't accessing a lot of screen time. Our time on TVs, laptops and iPads etc are not often included in this tally and probably make up a lot more of our screen viewing throughout the day. It would be great if there was a way to capture time on every screen (if there isn't already) to help families have a baseline for hours spent in total as a way to become more aware and then creative with using that time in alternative ways.
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Best answer chosen by asker
TV time is definitely included in screen time. The recommendations are scary because i know my kids have waaaaaay too much screen time as per the recommendations but I also have kids who are extremely interested in computers and technology. I think at least two of them will probably end up with a job in this area so feel quite uncomfortable with the limits. They sound kind of extreme for a technology-based society.
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Best answer chosen by asker
Any activity that involves a child looking at a screen is considered "screen time", so this would include watching TV programs, movies or series on DVD or via a streaming service, or even watching YouTube videos using a smart TV. Screen time is not only calculated as time spent using electronic devices like phones, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles.
Limiting screen time including TV time is very important for both younger and older children. For kids of all ages, personal interaction and physical activity are vitally important. While TV viewing may include educational content, the fact that kids in the US and many other countries can watch 3 hours or more of TV, it is absolutely necessary to take this time into account when considering whether children are spending too much time in front of screens.
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