Looking at actual screen use among parents of young children, it's clear that many find it difficult to maintain a zero-screen policy. Statistics from the Norwegian Media Authority show that 87% of 1 to 5-year-olds use screens, and 56% of 2 to 3-year-olds use screens daily. Both use of and access to screens also increase significantly with age.
If you choose to introduce screens to young children, we want Petra to offer content that is actually designed for children, where children themselves can participate — a bit like a digital picture book. Whether you choose to use screens or not should be up to each family.
Petra supports positive screen time
When talking about screen time for children, a distinction is often made between positive and passive screen time. Positive screen time refers to time in front of the screen that is developmental, educational and supportive of the child's growth and development. To support positive screen time, the choice of content is central. It is important to choose content that is educational, age-appropriate, interactive, safe and free from ads.
Petra meets all the criteria for positive screen time, and aims to create the best digital learning experiences for young children. With Petra, you as a parent can be confident that your child gets a safe digital start.
Our tips for positive screen use
When it comes to screen use, no two families are alike, and we recommend finding a solution that works for you and your children. Here are our tips:
- Set boundaries. Familiarise yourself with recommended guidelines for screen use and find a balance that works for your family. Set rules for when and how long screen time is allowed.
- Have screen-free zones and times. Define certain areas and times as screen-free zones, for example around the dinner table and just before bedtime. Screen-free time before bed can support better sleep quality.
- Be a good role model. Limit your own screen use, especially when your child is present. Be a good example of the balance between screen time and other activities.
- Get involved. Keep track of what your child is watching or playing. Talk about the content, ask questions and engage. Research shows that involvement in screen use can strengthen learning.
- Choose the right content. Make sure the content is age-appropriate and preferably both educational and interactive. Choose content that promotes learning and collaboration.
