As society norms change, it is becoming more and more typical for both parents to work in the modern era. In addition to their contributions to the family’s well-being, mothers and fathers work to ensure that their kids have bright futures. The main obstacle parents face, in spite of their best efforts, is the limited amount of time they can spend with their kids because of work obligations.
Working parents are not the only ones who encounter this difficulty; stay-at-home mothers also encounter it. Juggling childcare and household duties can result in kids turning to electronics to keep themselves occupied. Concerns about safety exacerbate the problem, making it more difficult for parents to decide whether to permit outdoor play or to find appropriate locations for leisure activities.
In this blog, we’ll explore the detrimental effects of prolonged screen time on children and discuss effective methods to regulate and reduce their reliance on electronic devices.
Children’s screen time
Screen time is the amount of time a child spends on a device. TV, Tab, Mobile can be anything. Children can watch some educational programs or funny cartoons, rhymes and songs at a certain age for learning. But when it comes to screen time, it’s important to keep in mind what the child is watching, for how long, and whether it’s age-appropriate.
What is the recommended duration for screen time at various ages?
1) According to ‘The American Academy of Pediatrics’, children under 18 months should not be allowed screen time at all. Only video calls with relatives can be allowed for a while, but not for long.
2) 18-24 month olds will only share some screen time with parents and it should be age-appropriate content.
3) 2-5 year old children can have 1 hour of screen time and that is educational program.
4) For children aged 6 or above, parents should fix the time and monitor whether the child is watching any other Harmful content outside of it.
Harmful effects on the child
This is a condition from which it is not easy to get out. Children and adults alike are seen spending hours on screen time. It’s like an addiction. Little by little a lot of time goes behind it. Let’s find out how excess screen time can affect children’s development.
- Disturbances in sleeping patterns
If you focus too much on cartoons or games, your baby will not want to sleep on time. And excess screen time disrupts a child’s vision and sleeping patterns.
- Learning not to recognize food
One thing to note is that for screen time, the child does not understand the taste of the food or how much he is eating. Handing over the device while eating is very common. It keeps his attention less on the food and more on the screen! Does not even learn to recognize food. At times, reluctance to even eat because of the attraction to the screen.
- Spend less time with family
Children with more screen time tend to spend less time with family. Their emotional development is delayed due to lack of social bonding. These children also show reluctance to go outside and do not mix well with other children.
- Loss of interest in sports
Too much screen time reduces children’s interest in reading, sports. His creativity diminishes. He shows reluctance to do anything new.
- Fear or trauma
Maybe let the child watch a video on a learning topic. Now along with the good, various healthy content is also very easily available on YouTube. Your child has accidentally viewed content that may have a negative impact on their brain. If he sees something scary, he may not get out of that situation easily and it is not very difficult to become a victim of trauma. It is normal for this fear or trauma to hinder his emotional development.
Strategies for controlling screen time
- Give the child time. Don’t give up the device immediately if the child is upset. In it anything is easily found in him, this attitude works. Later, if he doesn’t get it, stubbornness works in him.
- Give away toys that will help the child develop. For example, children like building blocks or drawing. Along with that, definitely develop the habit of reading books.
- There is a separate YouTube channel for kids, you can give that. Block unwanted videos. Keep the mobile with kids friendly settings.
- Along with loving the child, it is also important to discipline the child in the right way. As if he understands what is good for him and what is bad. But some children need extra care. Observe how your child reacts.
- Take him out on holidays and let him socialize with other children. You can take him to zoos, parks, playgrounds to reduce his interest in screen time.
- Take the child along in small chores around the house, so that he gets interested in learning the work. Even if you can’t encourage him. For example, drying clothes, watering plants, passing small things during cooking or baking, etc. Of course he will act according to his age.
In conclusion, managing screen time for children is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. Excessive exposure to electronic devices can lead to various detrimental effects on their development. By implementing tailored strategies and fostering a balance between screen time and other activities, parents can promote healthier habits and ensure their children’s well-being and growth.
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Writer:
Rupsana Hasan
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE