Ensuring screen time quality

Not all apps, online games or programs are created equal. To ensure quality screen time, consider these tips:

• Preview programs, games and apps before allowing your child to view or play with them.
• Seek out interactive options that engage your child, rather than those that just require pushing and swiping or staring at the screen.
• Use parental controls to block or filter internet content.
• Make sure your child is close by during screen time so that you can supervise his or her activities.
• Ask your child regularly what programs, games and apps he or she has played with during the day.
• Play a video game or explore a new app with your child.
• When watching programming with your child, discuss what you're watching and educate him or her about advertising and commercials.

Seek out information from organizations such as Common Sense Media to help you determine if a program, game or app is appropriate.

Remember that at some point your child will be exposed to content that you haven't approved beforehand and devices without internet filters. Talk to your child about the possible situations that could come up and the behavior you expect.