Africa: Why Parents Should Join Their Kids in Watching TV and Playing Online Games

Young children are increasingly immersed in digital media, spending substantial amounts of time engaging with screens through television, touchscreen applications, and video calls with family. Research on global screen time guidelines reveals that approximately 75% of children under two years old use some form of digital media daily, while 64% of children aged two to five spend more than an hour a day interacting with these technologies. As digital media becomes an integral part of children’s lives, understanding how to harness its educational potential is crucial for maximizing benefits.

Our findings indicate that active adult engagement is key to helping children derive educational advantages from digital media. This engagement can take the form of one-on-one interactions where adults guide their children’s attention to educational content and relate it to real-world experiences. Below are some practical strategies for parents to enhance the educational impact of co-using digital media with their children:

Instead of passively sitting alongside your child while they interact with digital media, actively participate in their experience. Engage them in conversation about what they are watching or playing. Prompt them to think critically by asking questions such as, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why do you think the character made that choice?” This dialogue not only deepens their understanding but also fosters critical thinking skills.

Scaffolding is an effective teaching technique where parents provide support to help their child grasp new concepts before gradually allowing them to explore independently. While co-using digital media, parents can scaffold learning by explaining challenging words, connecting on-screen content to real-life experiences, and helping children apply what they learn in practical situations. This method helps children build confidence in their understanding and application of new concepts.

Recognizing that not all digital media is created equal is vital. Seek out educational content specifically designed to teach skills such as language development, math, or social-emotional learning. Effective educational apps should have clear learning objectives, present engaging problems for children to solve, and provide specific feedback that supports their learning. Content that incorporates interactive elements and encourages problem-solving tends to be particularly beneficial. Research highlights that the quality of digital content significantly influences how much children learn from it.

After your child has engaged with digital media, facilitate a discussion about their experience. Encouraging them to articulate what they watched or played reinforces the material and allows you to address any misunderstandings. Reflection helps children connect their learning to their lives, thereby enhancing their comprehension. For instance, if a show covers penguins, you could discuss the likelihood of seeing penguins at the zoo or share related books they may have read featuring these animals.

As children mature, they may require less direct support during media use; however, co-use remains valuable. Older children can benefit from discussions that challenge them to think critically about the media they consume. Encourage them to explore related activities, such as researching a topic presented in a documentary or creating a project inspired by what they viewed. This fosters a deeper engagement with the content and encourages creativity.

While digital media can enhance learning, it’s essential to balance screen time with other developmental activities. Encourage participation in reading, outdoor play, and face-to-face interactions with peers. Our study emphasizes that for digital media to contribute to a well-rounded daily routine, families should strive to co-use it alongside other enriching experiences. By integrating digital media thoughtfully into a diverse range of activities, parents can foster a more holistic developmental environment for their children.

In conclusion, as digital media continues to play a significant role in children’s lives, proactive engagement from parents is essential to harness its educational potential. By actively participating in their child’s digital experiences, scaffolding learning, choosing high-quality content, fostering discussions, adapting strategies as children grow, and balancing screen time with other activities, parents can significantly enhance their children’s learning outcomes and prepare them for a future where digital literacy is paramount.