Promoting healthy screen-time in children
We live in a technological age where the use of screens such as TV or DVDs, computers, video or hand-held computer games, tablets or smartphones are inevitable and part of our family lifestyles. When used appropriately, we can reap the benefits of screen-time. For example, using high-quality educational apps to support our children’s learning.
However, we have all heard or had too many unpleasant stories or experiences when screen use becomes problematic in children or teenagers’ life. Excessive screen-time can pose physical, developmental, neurological and safety risks to our children.
- Physically, looking down at a device for a long period of time can cause neck and spine problems, sore eyes, sleep difficulties and headaches. Children are also at higher risk of obesity.
- Developmentally, children’s language and social skills development might be delayed as they spend too much time on the screens and less time in real-life interactions. This is especially true for young kids who have a sensitive developmental window to develop speech and social skills such as maintaining eye contact and reading social cues.
- Neurologically, neuroimaging research showed that excessive screen time or internet/ video game addiction actually damages children’s developing brain structure and function. In particular, shrinkage or volume loss in gray matter areas in the Frontal Lobe as a result of excessive screen time can lead to a reduced ability to plan, prioritize and control impulse. Research also shown that Dopamine (neurotransmitters implicated in reward processing and addiction) released in gaming, is similar to the urges and cravings of drug addiction.
- Safety wise, children may be exposed to age-inappropriate materials, or people, who might exploit them on internet and social media.
Hence, it’s important to carefully monitoring and guiding our children to navigate the challenges posed in this technological era. The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) suggested the following guidelines:
- Children under 2 years old: avoid screen time, other than video-chatting
- Children aged 2-5 years: no more than one hour a day, with adults watching or playing with them
- Children aged 6-17 years: consistent limits on the time they spend on electronic media (e.g., 2 hours) and types of media they use
Here are some tips and tricks to help promote healthy dose of screen time for children.
- Discuss as a family and agree on daily screen time limits and healthy habits. Involve children in the family decision respectfully. Set up screen-free zones at home (e.g., no screens during meal times, all screens off after a specified time, no screen time in the bedroom).
- Be involved in their screen time to make it as interactive as possible. Play games and watch TV together.
- Try not to use screen time to ‘babysit’ when going out. Take books or toys instead.
- Use tech tools to manage access and ensure what they are watching and playing are appropriate (e.g., set up parental controls)
- Plan and instil other interests such as outdoor play, music and sports activities or community work. Organise face-to-face contact with families and friends.
- Lead by example. Reduce your own screen time. Show enjoyment and appreciation to other activities. Unfortunately, parents nowadays are easily distracted or addicted to screen-time themselves. It would be hard to set boundaries and limits when we are struggling to put our devices down!
If you find your children are struggling and showing the following symptoms, it might be good to seek professional assistance from a psychologist:
- Seems anxious or irritable when away from device
- Anger or tantrums when being asked to end screen-time
- Negative changes in behaviour (e.g., poor impulse control)
- Reduced interest in social activities
- Becomes more withdrawn and isolated from friends and families
- Obsessed with certain websites or games
- Decline in academic performance
- Persistent physical symptoms (e.g., headaches, sleep disturbance)
Reference:
http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/screen_time.html
https://austparents.edu.au/parentech_resources/screentime
https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/Psychology-topics/Online-safety-for-children