Keep young children off electronics

SANDUSKY — Don't let your child waste their summer on electronic devices.They need to spend time outdoors, said Lisa Horchler, director of speech-language pathology at Firelands Regional Medical Center.Most families come to the hospital with developmental concerns connected to using tablets and similar items."We are seeing an increase in children with neck and back pain and issues with their fine motor skills and attention span," Horchler said.Experts at the hospital see children having issues with dexterity in their fingers, which can impact writing and tying their shoes, neck and back pain and children not walking when they should be."They're placed in a walker or something else in front of a television and this can cause delays in milestones, like crawling, walking and communication development," Horchler said. "A lot of it comes down to parents turning off the TV and spending time with children. It's a perfect time to get outside — we've got lots of activities outside. They need to get these children out and about and let them hit the milestones without a device."Horchler suggested parents take their children to area metro parks and summer activities at the Sandusky Library to see them grow."I really think it's a matter of parents making that move and embracing that physical activity," she said.Boundaries for usageThe American Academy of Pediatrics gives these guidelines for device usage:• Children younger than 18 months should avoid the use of screen and media time other than video chatting• Children 18-24 months old can be introduced to digital media with parents beside them to monitor the use• Children 2-5 years old should be limited to one hour a day• Children six years old and older should not have electronic device usage take the place of sleep and other behaviors essential to help them develop.More recommendations can be found on the academy's website at aap.org.Horchler strongly recommended parents set boundaries for electronics usage. The website healthychildren.org allows families to create media plans to limit use and decide when children can and can't use devices.In fact, Horchler has used it with her children."We're finding that when families write their plans down, they're more likely to follow it," she said. "This can be for all children in family. It's almost like a contract with a child."Horchler also stressed parents should be role models with their digital media use and encourage their children to read, play games and engage in imaginative play. Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook.com/CaitliNearhoodFamilies participate in The Milan Museum's Idea Factory Workshop on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018. Families enjoy a day outdoors with the West Huron Youth Club at the Joe Steinen Wildlife Area in Huron Township on Saturday, June 16, 2018.