Screen Time Overload: Understanding the Impact on Children's Health and Development
- Dr Megha Desai Shah
- Jul 11, 2024
- 3 min read
Dr Megha Desai Shah, Consultant Child and Adolescent Mental Health Expert, Ahmedabad
During this era of digital technology, screens and devices have become essential components of our daily lives. Whether for educational purposes or entertainment, we are now more exposed to screens than ever before, as are our children. Consequently, it is crucial for parents to grasp the potential risks and effects of excessive screen time on their children.
How do screens really impact our kids? And exactly how much screen time is too much? Is it bad if our kids watch movies or play video or mobile games? Today, I am going to highlight what research has to say about these.
Symptoms of Screen overload:
Headaches
Blurry eyes and eye strain
Foggy brain
Irregular sleep pattern
Tantrums and other behavioural issues
Emotional issues leading to frustration, irritability, mood swings
Decline in academic performance
Decline in physical health
These are some of the common symptoms seen in children and teenagers who are having too much screen time. As the time spent on screens increases, either on social media or playing games on mobile, the other aspects of daily life take a back seat such as playing outdoors, connecting with friends, family time or study related work.
Impact of Increased Screen time
Behavioural issues
Tantrums
Impulsivity
Hyperactivity
Emotional Dysregulation
Irritability
Frustration
Moodiness
Cognitive Delay
Delay in Langugae aquisition
Attention related difficulties
Deficits in Problem solving skills
Physical health
Sleep related issues
More prone to sedentary lifestyle leading to obesity
Weight related issues
Motor skills
Delay in pencil grasp
Poor fine motor skills
Average screen time
To grow up healthy, children need to sit less and play more. Play is an important part of child's overall development.
The pattern of overall 24-hour activity is key: replacing prolonged, restrained or sedentary screen time with more active play, while making sure young children get enough good-quality sleep.
Quality sedentary time spent in interactive non-screen-based activities with a caregiver, such as reading, storytelling, singing and puzzles, is very important for child development.
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), parents should adhere to certain screen time guidelines to help reduce the negative impact screen exposure has on children. The AACAP sets guidelines on the amount and type of screen time for each age group, and they include:
Infants <1 year of age: No screen time, video chatting with family is allowed.
For 1-year-olds, sedentary screen time (such as watching TV or videos, playing computer games) is not recommended. Educational content only, co-viewing with parent.
2-5 year olds: 1 hour or less during weekdays, not more then 3 hours on weekend. Educational and interaction content preferred. Non-educational content is allowed.
6 years and older: less then 2 hours a day. Recreational content is allowed but healthy habits should be encouraged.
Children should not have any screen time during meals or when outdoors.
Parents should use parental controls to choose what content their child is exposed to and to control how much screen time their child is exposed to daily.
Parents should not use screens to calm down children.
Children should not have any screen time for at least half an hour before bed.
Tips to balance screen time
Set Limits: Establish clear rules regarding screen time. Screen time checklist can be used.
Encourage Physical Activity: Promote regular physical activity by encouraging outdoor play, sports, and other recreational activities.
3. Create Screen-Free Zones: Designate certain areas of the home, like the dining room and bedrooms, as screen-free zones to encourage family interactions and better sleep.
4. Be a Role Model: Children often mimic their parents’ behavior. Set a good example by limiting your screen time and engaging in activities that do not involve screens.
5. Promote Alternative Activities: Encourage activities that do not involve screens, such as reading, puzzles, board games, and arts and crafts.
6. Monitor Content: Keep an eye on the content your children are accessing. Ensure it is age-appropriate and educational.
7.Encourage Social Interaction: Arrange playdates and social activities to help children develop their social skills.
In conclusion, technology and screens are here to stay, it is essential to strike a balance that allows children to enjoy the advantages without being adversely affected by excessive screen time.
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