Policy statement: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

The AAP is finally getting on board with the crucial need to integrate a media consumption assessment for all children at every well-child visit! Pediatricians are encouraged to take media history and ask two media questions at every well-child visit: 1) How much recreational screen time does your child or teenager consume daily? 2) Is there a television set or Internet-connected device in the child's bedroom? Parents are now encouraged to establish a family home use for all media. The policy statement also includes the following; "Media influences on children and teenagers should be recognized by schools, policymakers, product advertisers, and entertainment producers." This marks the first time that the AAP has fully acknowledged that media, including cell phones, iPads, and social media, are a dominant force in children's lives.The AAP states that is concerned by evidence about potential harmful effects of media messages and images. Finally some movement in the right direction!