Children today are “digital natives,” having been born into an ever-changing digital ecosystem augmented by mobile phones and social media.
Electronic devices have revolutionized learning, communication, and information dissemination, but research indicates that screen time and media exposure may have serious adverse effects on children’s health over the long term, making this a pressing public health concern.
Children and adolescents spend a lot of time watching screens, including smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, TVs, and computers. On average, children age 8-18 yrs. spend 7 1/2 hours a day watching or using screens. While screens can entertain, teach, and keep children occupied, too much use or the wrong content may lead to problems.
While it is true that screens have become ubiquitous in homes and are increasingly integrated into school systems, it is crucial to educate caregivers of children under the age of three years about the potential risks associated with prolonged screen exposure and its impact on child development
The early years of childhood are crucial for intellectual development and for acquiring language skills, these skills are acquired through interactions with adults. Screen time diminishes the quantity and quality of interactions between children and their parents.
Studies have indicated that compared to children who view screens for ≤1 hour per day, those who engage in two or more hours per day, or three or more hours per day, are more likely to experience behavioural problems and have poorer vocabulary acquisition. These findings suggest the importance of monitoring and regulating screen time for young children to mitigate potential adverse effects on their development and behaviour
Studies have shown computer use and video gaming are connected with more severe depressive symptoms. Video gaming, in particular, is correlated with the severity of anxiety. One study shows that increased TV exposure between six and 18 months of age was associated with emotional reactivity, aggression, and externalizing behaviours.
Research emphasizes the significance of face-to-face interaction, especially with primary caregivers, in promoting the development of social-emotional competence in young children. Early screen exposure has been associated with lower cognitive abilities and academic performance in later years.
Parents may not always know what their children are viewing, or how much time they are spending with screens. Children may get exposed to
- Violence, self-harm, and suicide
- Videos of stunts or challenges that may inspire unsafe behavior
- Sexual content
- Negative stereotypes
- Substance use
- Cyberbullies and predators
- Misleading or inaccurate information
Too much screen time may lead to:
- Sleep problems
- Lower grades in school
- Less time with family and friends
- Not enough outdoor or physical activity
- Weight problems
- Mood problems
- Poor self-image and body image issues
Managing a child’s screen time is challenging for families. Your child is never too young for a screen-time plan.
Consider the following as a guideline:
- Until 18 months of age limit screen use to video chatting along with an adult (for example, with a parent who is out of town).
- Between 18- and 24-months screen time should be limited to watching educational programming with a caregiver.
- For children 2-5 yrs, limit non-educational screen time to about 1 hour per weekday and 3 hours on the weekend days.
- For ages 6 and older, encourage healthy habits and limit activities that include screens.
- Turn off all screens during family meals and outings.
- Avoid using screens as pacifiers, babysitters, or to stop tantrums.
- Turn off screens and remove them from bedrooms 30-60 minutes before bedtime.
- Familiarize yourself with the content your child sees, to make sure it is age-appropriate.
- Talk to your child about what they are seeing. Point out good behaviour, such as cooperation, friendship, and concern for others. Make connections to meaningful events or places of interest.
- Be aware of advertising and how it influences choices.
- Encourage your child to engage in other activities that do not involve screens, such as sports, music, art, and hobbies.
- Set a good example with your own healthy screen habits.
Parents play a crucial role in managing and reducing screen time by raising awareness, setting boundaries, and providing behavioural controls. Parental limitations and the absence of screens in bedrooms have been found to significantly reduce screen usage. Parents should also set an example by managing their own screen time.
Overall, it is important for caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals to understand the potential risks of excessive screen usage and implement strategies to promote healthy development in children