Every parent knows too much screen time can cause developmental delays and/or have social implications. Then there are the behavioral problems that can arise, particularly in children who spend two hours a day (or more) on the TV, computer, tablet, or phone. And let’s not forget the physical effects, too. Too much screen time can lead to eye strain, pain, and childhood obesity. In short, there are inherent risks. But there are benefits as well. Yes, screen time can actually be a good thing. According to an October 2019 study out of Oxford, Cardiff, and Cambridge Universities, screen time in moderation can have a positive effect on kids. Watching television or using digital devices can actually increase one's social and emotional well-being. There are certain activities, like watching instructional or educational videos on YouTube, playing role-playing video games, or connecting with friends to watch a movie together online can all have big benefits for kids. “You just have to use your best judgment to set limits.” Below are five benefits of screen time that should put parents' minds at ease. Improves Socialization While it may seem counterintuitive, screen time can actually improve your child's social and emotional well-being. According to Internet Matters, "technology takes away physical barriers to social connections—which is important for children who find it hard to make friends or have special interests or special needs." “Using social media to create and maintain friendships is great, not just for kids, but for all of us,” says Miner. “I liken it to the pen pals we’d have back in our day. And social media platforms can foster a sense of community and connectedness. Enhances Critical Thinking Not all apps and video games are useful, but some actually encourage learning and enhance critical thinking skills. Parents need to know that time spent playing is time well spent particularly when it’s with puzzles and games that challenge kids to experiment and find creative ways to solve problems. It’s important that parents vet the apps and games that their kids are using, but that many games—especially those that emphasize role-playing—center social dynamics and active communication. “There are games that absolutely teach resilience, resource management, cooperation, strategic thinking, spatial thinking, and reasoning. And all of those things are positive,” Playing games can be a really meaningful social outlet. They’re connecting with friends and community and interacting in many of the same ways they would in person. But they're doing it like living room to living room, as opposed to in the backyard or at the park. And they still have all those needs to express, like feeling playful, energetic, and powerful and getting their aggression out.” Can Promote School Readiness From educational games and apps to digital books—or e-books—screens can promote school readiness. Some television programs even encourage reading, spelling, math skills, and writing with high-quality apps and programs being great learning tools. If you] want to introduce digital media, [you] should choose high-quality programming/apps and use them together with [your] children, because this is how toddlers learn best." Co-viewing or co-playing with your children, and finding other activities to do together that are healthy for the body and mind." Helps With the Development of Fine Motor Skills Working with and on computers and playing video games can help your child improve their hand-eye coordination. "Interacting with computers improves both visual intelligence and hand-eye coordination. Playing video games also improves their motor skills. Encourages Literacy and Communication While it may seem odd to suggest that screens can (and do) improve literacy and communication skills, it's true. E-books improve our reading proficiency. They also give us access to a wide and varied library, larger than most could have in their home. Various apps and computer programs encourage communication, from emails and notes to messaging, Word, and Google Docs. The Bottom Line That said, it's still important to balance time in front of the computer with other activities. Sitting in front of the TV or staring at your phone all the time is not good or healthy. It can have adverse effects. So, setting limits is critical. So, what exactly can parents do to ensure their kids are consuming quality content? Be involved, be aware of how your children are engaging with digital media, and try to help your kids find a balance of online and offline activities. Help your children select what is best for them as well as prioritize the quality of the content they watch.