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Are e-books good tools for learning how to read? Section: Q&A Bank

Educational, age-appropriate ‘learn-to-read’ apps and e-books can help with language—but only when parents and children read and learn together. The physical book experience offers more key sensory opportunities to feel different textures, pick and choose, turn pages, scribble, and chew on corners.      Posted: May 16, 2025

Is it okay for my baby or toddler to use screens? Section: Q&A Bank

Apart from interactive video-chatting to support long-distance relationships, there is no benefit to exposing babies and toddlers to digital media because: Infants cannot absorb screen content, andToddlers do not learn well from screens. They are highly efficient real-life learners but have difficulty relating what they see on screen to real...

At what age should my child get a smartphone? Section: Q&A Bank

Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to this question. Experts do not agree on the optimal age for children to have a smartphone, but later is usually better because older, more mature children can learn to use a phone responsibly. The decision also depends on whether a child needs a phone for safety or...

How do I set limits on screen use at home without causing conflict? Section: Q&A Bank

It’s easier to set screen limits when children are young instead of trying to cut back later on. When children are young, avoid using screens as a distraction. Instead, use strategies that nurture their ability to self-sooth and regulate their emotions. Respond right away to their immediate needs—for attention, a snack or...

Are there benefits of screen use for school-aged children and youth? Section: Q&A Bank

Being online allows children to connect with friends, play active video games or watch shows/movies that are appropriate for their age and development. These activities should be limited to no more than two hours. Any more than that can pose a problem. Why?Too much screen use takes time away from...

What is 'technoference' and why is it a problem? Section: Q&A Bank

Technoference (rhymes with “interference”) is a word used to describe what happens when a parent or child’s screen use interrupts other activities. For young children, time spent by parents on mobile devices is linked with more frequent negative interactions with their children. For example, if a parent is distracted by their screen...

What do parents need to know about artificial intelligence (AI)? Section: Q&A Bank

Some artificial intelligence (AI) tools can be used in positive ways, but they can also promote false, harmful or misleading information, compromise privacy and contribute to academic fraud (for example, using a generative AI tool like ChatGPT to write an essay). Voice cloning and deep fakes are two extreme examples, but harm...

Should I be worried about how much my child or teen is gaming? Section: Q&A Bank

It’s natural and healthy for children and teens to get caught up in favourite pastimes, including video games. If your child or teen is playing games that are age-appropriate and preferably with known friends or family (not interacting online with strangers), you generally don’t need to be concerned. However, it’s important...