Parenting has always been a pretty tough gig. However, at times I do find myself envying the parents of the pre-screen era.
These days we are bombarded with information related to children and screen time - how much is too much, at what age should we allow it, and are we inadvertently allowing addictions to manifest, with ready access to gaming and repetitive use of technology?
On many of these questions, the jury is still out.
According to the federal government, screen time is not recommended for children under the age of two - and preschoolers aged three to five should have no more than one hour a day, preferably less.
This poses the question, are these guidelines reflecting the reality?
A 2017 study by the Royal Children's Hospital, looking at the habits of 979 preschoolers and infants, found that one third owned their own device or smartphone.
Furthermore, 50 per cent of toddlers and preschoolers were using their devices unsupervised - with infants averaging up to 14 hours usage, and preschoolers up to 26 hours per week.
The parents surveyed explained that they often use screen time to occupy their children, so they can get things done.
I can so relate to this, having had to rely heavily on the Teletubbies so I could blow-dry my hair most work days!
So if, as parents, we're not adhering to the recommendations, what can be done?
One approach recommended by Early Childhood Australia is to share screen time with your child; play and explore together. Find the "teachable moments" and engage your child in the learning opportunities that well considered screen time can bring.
Is this always possible on the home front? Not always. But it has enormous benefits when it happens.
This approach also helps protect our children from content that is not age-appropriate. The question parents should ask themselves is a simple one - is what my child is watching good for their growing brain?
Role modelling a balanced approach to technology is also critical.
Children rely on responsive adults - therefore if children are often playing second fiddle to our own screens, then problems can arise.
Children need and deserve to feel visible, to watch appropriate content and to have plenty of balance in their lives.
This will ensure that screen time doesn't become scream time for any of us!
Leanne Grogan is a lecturer in early childhood at La Trobe University
