Is your child using too much screen? You might be already aware that it can be detrimental to your child’s health. And are you looking for some ways to restrict their screen time? Don’t worry. You are at the right place. In this article, I am going to tell you some ways to limit screen time for your kids. And since some screen time is inevitable in this day and age, I am also going to provide some tips to ensure quality screen time with your kids.
So, let’s delve right into it.
In today’s technology-driven world, you cannot restrict your child totally from using screens. Screens include smartphones, tablets, computers, etc. Some screen time is also good for them as it will help them in their studies. But children tend to abuse technology if they’re not properly monitored. Too much screen time is detrimental to their physical and mental health.
These are some of the ill effects of using too much screen time:
Obesity:
Children tend to eat more while watching TV or other electronic devices. So, it’s better to keep the TV away from their bedroom which will reduce their screen time. And the junk food ads shown on TVs also increase their appetite for fast foods. So, the more time they spent watching TV or computers, the more chance of them becoming overweight.
Behaviour problems:
Children in elementary grades who uses a lot of screen time are more prone to have social, emotional, and attention problems. If a child gets a lot of video game exposure, it may result in attention problems.
Disturbed sleep:
The sleep hormone melatonin, which is responsible for our sleep kicks in when the sun sets. But the blue light emitted from screens hinders melatonin, thus resulting in delayed sleep. So keep away any electronic devices 1 hour before sleep. Because watching Youtube, TV, or engaging in video games keeps our bodies and brain in an alert and active mode thus hindering sleep.
Poor Academic Performance:
Children who have TVs or other electronic devices in their bedroom tend to perform poorly on exams than those who don’t have these devices in their bedroom.
Less time for play:
Children who spend too much time on electronic devices tend to get disinterested in playing outside with their peers. This physical inactivity is bad for their overall health. Children should be playing outside regularly for optimal growth.
Violence:
If children are exposed to too much violence through media, it can desensitize them to violence. Thus it may reflect in their daily behaviour. They might choose to resort to violence to solve problems among their peers.
Less time learning:
Too much engaging in screen time can reduce the time spent learning various things. And their motor skills necessary for writing will be affected by using too much screen time.
Delays in language and social skills development:
If children from a very young age are exposed to too much screen time, it can delay their time in learning a language. It can also result in delaying learning social and communication skills. Children learn by watching facial expressions in real life and reacting to the other person in front of them. If he spends too much time watching a screen, it is a one-way interaction with a screen. Passive listening does not improve language and communication skills in young children.
Hinders Creativity:
Too much screen time hinders creativity in a child. Their problem-solving ability is also affected.
Here are some guidelines for screen time limits for children:
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it is recommended that babies under 18 months should have no screen time at all. The exception to this rule is video chatting with grandparents or with a family member who is out of town. Children 18 months to 24 months can have some quality screen time with a parent or caregiver. For children over age 2, limit screen time to 1 hour a day of high-quality content.
In the meantime, these are some tips to limit screen time for your kids:
Do not allow TVs, computers & smartphones in the bedroom:
Children who have electronic devices in their bedroom tend to spend more time watching them as opposed to children who don’t have these in their bedroom. Also, make sure that they charge their devices outside of their bedrooms at night.
Don’t eat in front of a screen:
Children who eat meals while watching TV tend to have more screen time. This habit of watching TV while eating also results in mindless munching, which can lead to weight gain.
Turn off background TV:
If the TV is running in the background, even without the audio, it can draw your child’s attention. So, turn the TV off if you’re not actively watching it.
Introduce phone-free zones in the home:
In the area where you have your meals, make it a phone-free zone.
Go outside:
Make it a habit for your family to often go outside. This includes going out for a walk or playing outside or even a short drive.
Limit your own screen time:
When children are younger, they try to imitate their parents in everything they do. If they see that their parents are on the phone or TV most of the time, they will think of it as acceptable behaviour. So, reduce your screen time too to set an example for your kids.
Here are some tips to ensure quality screen time with your kids:
Do a thorough check on websites, games, apps, or programs before allowing your child to engage with them. Take a look at it yourself before sharing any program with your child.
Select interactive programs to watch for your child, that engage your child, instead of programs that require only passive watching. Make them play video games that encourage physical activity.
During mealtime, don’t allow any electronic device. And switch off screens at least one hour before bedtime.
Include plenty of non-screen time into your kid’s day. Playtime is very important for your child’s overall growth. It fosters learning and creativity. Educate your child on the value of being physically active every day.
View programs with your child. Help them in understanding what they’re seeing on the screen. Ask them what is happening on the show or in games. After watching an educational show repeat concepts after the show is over so that it will be easy for them to retain that information. Also, educate your child about the ads that they see on TV.
If your child is spending a substantial amount of time on screen already, then try to bring down the time gradually. If you restrict them too much immediately, they can act quite rebellious.
Let me know in the comment section, were you aware of the dangers of too much screen time? And if you are aware then what tips did you use to limit them?
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