A lot of parents are concerned about the effects of screen time on their children. While there are some benefits to having a device that allows you to access the internet, it’s also important to recognize when your kids spend too much time on their devices. In this article, we will look at how excessive screen time can affect your child and what steps you can take to limit it.
An excess amount of screen time can increase the risk of:
- Inconsistent Sleep – The more screen time a child has, the more likely they will have trouble falling asleep or maintaining a regular sleep schedule. This risk is increased if a child watches TV before bed or a TV is kept in the child’s bedroom.
- Obesity – Children who watch TV are exposed to commercials advertising junk food, fast food, and soda and are more likely to crave foods high in fat and sugar. Children who spend excessive time in front of a screen are also less likely to be active.
- Problems with Behavior and Attention – Excessive media use can lead to difficulties in school, attention problems, hyperactivity, and behavioral issues.
While parents have little control over the amount of entertainment media readily available, they can limit their child’s exposure.
Here are a few tips to help regulate screen time:
- Children under the age of 2 should have no screen time – The first two years of life are a time of rapid brain development. Children learn best at this critical time by interacting with others, playing, and exploring. Time away from a screen encourages healthy physical and social development.
- Reduce screen time to only 2 hours a day – This doesn’t only refer to TV but includes all electronic devices. Activities like coloring books, puzzles, and craft supplies can help ease the transition if it seems difficult. Reserving special family time to go for a walk or play a board game together will help encourage interaction.
- Create a “screen-free” zone in the home – Designate a room or two that is free of a TV, computer, and electronic devices. Similarly, “screen-free” times can be mandated at appropriate hours, like during dinner or before bedtime.
- Remove screens from a child’s bedroom – A TV or computer in the bedroom may create an unhealthy habit of falling asleep to the TV or background noise, disrupting a child’s sleep cycle.
- Do not leave the TV on as background noise – Even if the TV is on while other activities are happening, it can be distracting and enticing for a child. Listen to the radio or designate quiet time with no background noise.
- Be a good role model – Parents should lead by example and limit their time spent in front of the TV, on the computer, or using a smartphone or tablet. Family time should be seen as a priority over entertainment media.
Reserving more time for family interaction and offering activities that encourage creativity and socialization will help to establish the ground rules for screen time regulation and promote a child’s healthy development.