National Institutes of Health (NIH) studied screen time for kids. They found that children using screens for over 2 hours appeared less productive on language and thinking tests. Children staying connected to these devices for over 7 hours faced cortex thinning. They also experienced critical thinking and reasoning problems.
In the age of technology, where everyone benefits, we must manage screen time for kids. Overusing or misusing these gadgets may lead to severe problems. As far as screens are concerned, it’s nearly impossible to put these gadgets back. On average, children between the ages of 8 and 12 utilize such devices for 4–6 hours daily in the USA. And teens operate these widgets for 6–9 hours.
Some Effects Of Too Much Screen Time
A study found that after 1 hour, the greater the time spent, the greater the impact on mental health. A considerable difference was seen between the mental health of children of two different groups. The first group was exposed to electronic devices for more than 7 hours, and the second one was allowed to use this media for less than 1 hour. The first group appeared to be less productive compared to the second group. Greater application of screen media increases the risk of depression, emotional imbalance, anxiety, and other unhealthy effects. However, you can take positive steps to tackle it.
Some significant effects of too much screen time are:
Obesity
Research has shown a close relationship between screen media and obesity. Intake of high calories, low nutrition, and beverages impact children’s eating habits. Ads for junk foods entice children to consume an excessive amount of fat. These kinds of foods lead to obesity and other consequences. Moreover, screens double the risk of obesity as well.
Visionary Problems
Laptops, computers, tablets, TVs, and mobile phones, emit high-energy blue light that damage the retina slowly. The American Optometric Association warns us about this matter. It says that excess screen time may lead to computer vision syndrome. They are causing blurry sight, eye dryness, eye strain, eye irritation, and double vision. We must address these symptoms. Otherwise, they may cause severe issues.
Irregular Sleeping Hours
According to the National Sleep Foundation, 90% of Americans operate digital media before sleep.
Our sleep-wake cycle is due to circadian rhythm and melatonin (a sleeping hormone). At night, melatonin is automatically activated. But blue light emitted by digital appliances suppresses melatonin. Consequently, the sleeping mechanism is disturbed. This disturbance causes sleep problems.
Even checking a notification can stimulate your brain and delay the sleeping process.
Recommended Screen Time For Kids: What Is The Average Screen Time?
JAMA conducted a study. It revealed a significant effect on the brain’s cognitive development when parents allowed their children between the ages of 3 and 5 to use screens above the recommendations.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) provides the following screen time recommendations by age:
- For 0 to 1.5 years: no screen exposure. The only exception is family video chat. If you can avoid it, that’s good!
- For 1.5 to 2 years: as little screening as possible. The only case is when the purpose is educational. But work with a parent. The screen should encourage physical activity.
- For 2 to 5 years: you can allow up to 1 hour per weekday. And a maximum of 3 hours on weekend days.
- Six and above: limit non-educational activities on the screen. Continue calculated screen usage on weekdays. You can exceed a little on weekends.
How To Limit Screen Time For Kids
In a survey conducted by Common Sense Media in 2017, 70% of parents showed concern about their children’s spending time on digital media.
Studies have shown that screen time behaviours and physical activities are set up in early childhood. So, children must develop healthy habits during childhood. It will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
Here are five tips to control your child’s electronic media.
Model Healthy Digital Habits
You are your children’s very first teachers. Be a role model for your kids. You can try the following suggestions to manage screen time for kids:
- Don’t keep your cell phone in the bedroom at night.
- Try not to use electronics for 1 hour before falling asleep.
- Avoid background TV.
- Have some other means of entertainment instead of relying on information technology.
- Practice productive habits, i.e., reading, painting, gardening, etc.
- Implement practical methods for guidance instead of vocalizing.
Determine The Screen’s Limiting Factor
Allow children to understand why limiting screen time for kids is necessary because excessive screen time is harmful to their health. In this way, they will cooperate with you. Don’t forcefully implement recommendations. Or else you’ll have to deal with disobedient behaviour.
Prefer Physical Activity Over Screen Time For Kids
Encouraging physical activities and limiting electronic media can help you control screen time for a brief period.
- You can increase kids’ interest in off-screen activities by helping them to find their favourite sport.
- You can recommend books based on their interests.
- Also, coax them to play old board games.
- Encourage them to take short breaks because movement is essential.
- Engage them in games like jumping jacks, squats, push-ups, etc.
Don’s Allow Screens In Bedrooms
Suppose you want to limit screen time for kids. In that case, you can’t allow digital gadgets in the bedroom because it may be a hurdle between your expectations and reality.
Make sure that this kind of media is outside the bedroom, including:
- Tablets
- Televisions
- Laptops and Computers
- Smartwatches
- Video game consoles
- The Amazon Echo and Google Home are two examples of smart home devices.
- Mobile phones, etc.
Use Apps To Limit Screen Time For Kids
Using apps to limit screen time is a good idea. Many free mobile applications available can be highly beneficial to your children.
Some Parental Control and Kid Tracker apps are given below:
- Qustodio
- Kidslox
- Famisafe
- Our pact
- Timeout in
Faisal Hussain 