-
-
Featured Care Areas
Source: Shutterstock
The world relies heavily on technology and electronic screens are now an integral part of our daily lives. Researchers have long raised concerns about the impact of screen time on both adults and children, and it's not surprising that many parents aren't sure about what is best when it comes to their children and technology. While it's nearly impossible for anyone to avoid screens altogether, it can be a good idea to impose some limits.
Studies show that the artificial light and flickering images on a screen can overstimulate certain areas of your children's brains. This can lead to the following:
Excessive screen time is also connected with a decrease in active play, which is essential for your child's learning and development. When your child sits in front of a screen, they may not have the chance to exercise their critical problem-solving skills as nature intended.
Studies comparing MRI scans of children's brains have revealed differences between children who use smartphones, tablets and play video games daily compared those who do not. One published study indicated that white matter, which acts as fibres connecting various parts of the brain, were underdeveloped and more disorganised in preschool children who had more than one hour of screen time per day. Children who had excess screen time also scored significantly lower on cognitive thinking and language tests.
Similar side effects can be seen in adults, with screen exposure affecting sleep habits, relationships, mood, and fitness.
The recent WHO guidelines for children under 5 are based on a combination of reduced screen time and an increase in physical activity.
Age | Screen Time Recommendation | Activity Recommendation |
---|---|---|
Below 1 year | • None | • Varied physical activity every day including interactive play or at least 30 minutes of tummy time for infants who are not yet mobile. • Should not be restrained in a high chair or pram for more than one hour at a time. |
1 – 2 years | • None for one-year olds • Less than one hour for two-year olds |
• Varied physical activity every day of different intensity, for at least 180 minutes throughout the day. • Should not be restrained in a high chair or pram for more than one hour at a time. |
3 – 4 years | • Less than one hour for two-year olds | • Varied physical activity every day of different intensity, for at least 180 minutes throughout the day. • Should not be restrained in a high chair or pram for more than one hour at a time. |
At 5 years and older, a little more screen time may be introduced, but it should still be limited to no more than a few hours of exposure.
Doctors generally suggest that the less screen time, the better, from childhood through to adulthood.
Limiting screen time can be challenging if your children are used to a free reign over electronic devices. With very young children, it's easier to impose these guidelines and cultivate good screen time habits. For older children, the best thing to do is to explain to your child the effects of long screen time, and offer alternative activities that you know they will enjoy.
Steps you can take to limit your child's screen time:
There are several things you can do to limit your child's screen time and also help to prevent exposure to unsafe or inappropriate content. Experts recommend steps like these:
As your children grow older, explain that technology can be used for good but it also comes with dangers. You should have age-appropriate conversations about digital safety which include:
Although the use of electronics is ultimately inevitable and there are many mind-stimulating games beneficial for a child's development, there are plenty of things you can do to ensure your child has a healthy lifestyle. Focus on physical activity, mental stimulation and a balanced diet.
Give your child a fresh, whole food diet with lots of lean meat, vegetables, fruit, and healthy fats and carbs. Limit or cut out processed foods and soft drinks and make sure they get plenty of water.
Keep your child focused with activities to improve their cognitive skills. Language exercises, reading and writing are all important for older children. Puzzle books and mind games are a fun way to get them thinking. Young children can play with basic toys like blocks and shape finders.
Walking, running and playing outside are easy ways for your child to get enough exercise. You can also enrol them in a regular class such as swimming, dancing, karate or soccer. Young children need lots of free play on the floor with toys to encourage mobility so they can develop hand-eye coordination.
Daily use of digital devices and the risks of excessive screen time is relatively new and the long-term risks are still being researched. However, the available evidence indicates that exceeding the recommended screen time for children can cause health risks such as obesity and behavioural problems in the long term.
The safest thing for you and your child is to impose restrictions and encourage other, healthier outlets for their energy. If you have any concerns about your child's behaviour or learning, you should see your doctor or paediatrician for advice.