Today the world has transformed into a technologically driven world. Gone are the days when we used to work without any involvement of digital technology and everything was analog technology-based. Today no matter what the job is, working is almost impossible without having to use digital technology. The interface of the digital technology shows on a screen. This screen is a doorway to all the operations inside a machine like a computer or a smartphone. The constant use of eyes on the screen has turned out to be bad for the health of the children. The time when our eyes are glued to the screen is known as screen time. This screen time should be a limit for a healthy body. For younger populations like kids, it becomes more important to keep a check on smartphone time for them.
Why screen time needs to be limited
There are many reasons why the child needs to have less time in front of the screen. Children can not make decisions for themselves so it is important to work as a guardian around them and take care of their health. Humans are at the best growing stage when they are young and it is necessary to be knowledgeable about their health and be serious as at this age, the body develops rapidly and even habits are formed. If addictive habits such as having high screen time are taken up by the child, it becomes very difficult to break this habit in the future. The body is also very susceptible to any health issue at this age so health issues that are with longer screen time are more evident at this age.
- Screen time diminishes Physical activity: The kids need to have physical activity almost daily. At the age of 4-12 years, the body should be highly active. The lesser the screen time the better. The body should be in sports and more physical activity like running, jumping, etc. At this age, the strength of our body develops so it is important to have physical activity as much as possible.
- Development of social skills: For a successful life, it is important to be a social person. Our social skills develop best when we are young. Those children who spend more time in front of the screen find it difficult to develop social skills and talk to new people. Social skills development at this age is essential as at this age, a child forms a friendship that most of the time stays lifelong.
- Mental health: A child is at the best phase of his mental growth. Being in front of the screen instead of the real world is disastrous for imaginative skills. A child should be imaginative as it develops creativity in them but when they spend most of their time in front of the screen, they lack imagination. High smartphone time also limits the development of skills such as reading, and writing in the child. Excessive screen time can also cause depression and anxiety issues in the child. Screen Time gives no break to children to connect with the real world.
- Physical health: High phone or tablet time is also harmful for the Physical health of the children. Children who spend hours in front of the screen are more likely to develop health issues such as obesity. It is harmful for a growing child to be overweight. Long hours of Screen time also interfere with the sleep cycle of the child which in turn can bring more health issues in the longer term.
- The negatives of the Internet: The Internet is full of various things. It can be a good place but also many harmful things are with the internet. Many scams are on the internet that target children. The Internet is also very harmful to the safety of children as it is a place where all kinds of people are present.
Avoiding excessive screen time
It is important to avoid the high screen time for the children. Many steps can be taken to avoid screen time for the child. Certain steps can be taken that should be best for the child’s health. All of these steps are essential for the overall health of the child.
Sports to Limit Screen Time for Kids
Sports are a great way to keep the health of the child and use it as a method to avoid screen time. Certain sports are quite enjoyable for the children like basketball, Cricket, football and tennis. All of these games are great for the overall development physical development of the child. It is a good substitute for avoiding the screen.
Reading Stories to Limit Screen Time for Kids
Children like to hear stories. They are of very imaginative mind and get into the depth of stories very well. Reading children’s stories especially when they are near bedtime to avoid the use of a computer or mobile is a great option. Stories that should have moral values in them should be taken preference.
Going Out to Limit Screen Time for Kids
The best way to avoid the screen is to have the child out of the home. It is a great way to open up the child to the other world. Places like parks or malls are great places to take the child. Children can also get the opportunity to socialize in these places.
Special activity classes
This is also another great option. Putting the child in special activity classes such as karate is a great option. This is another great option for the children to develop new talents. These classes are great also for meeting new people and making new friends. Children learn new skills while being with other children and making them friends and in the process, develop their social skills.
Limited Screen time is essential
While limited screen time is essential, it is also necessary not to stop it completely. In this age of technology, it is important to be updated with technology. While high screen time is not good, avoiding it completely is not great. Limited use of mobile, tablet, or computer whatever is convenient, is not harmful. Any technological device allows the child to connect to the world through the internet. The world has shifted to new technologies and it is important to keep up with the latest information. When the child uses any digital device, it is important to keep a check on the time and have a look at what the child is been exposed to.
Balanced use of technology is great
Technology can be a great tool for the development of the child’s knowledge without any harm if used in a balanced way. They can be used to teach children about new things. The Internet is an open library and the fast speed of the internet has allowed us to watch videos easily. Children can be given videos of various educative content and they can use them to learn new things. It can also help with homework if a child is in school. So if we at the bigger picture, limited use of Screens is not harmful but can be beneficial for children. It is important to keep an eye on what the child is accessing and on the time he’s using as well. This way, limited screen time can be great for the mental growth of the child.