Hi,
Screen time is the time spent using devices with screens such as Televisions, Computers, Laptops, Smartphones, Ipads, Tablets. Children use the screens to learn, communicate, for entertainment, to play games.
Screen time can help children to learn and develop with the touch of a button🤳. However, screen time can have a negative impact on the child’s development and overall health with overuse and poor content quality.
Excess and poor quality screen time can lead to :
- Sleep problems.
- Vision problems.
- Weight problems.
- Mood problems.
- Less time with family and friends.
- Concentration problems.
- Reading fewer books.
- Lower grades in studies.
- Less outdoor and physical activities.
- Less time learning other ways to relax and have fun.
- Behavioural problems.
- Loss of social skills.
- Aggression and Violence.
Screen time cannot be excluded from the lives of children as it serves benefits when used appropriately. However, Parents and caregivers can follow a few guidelines to ensure that the screen time doesn't affect the child’s life negatively. As ‘Rome was not built in a day’, the task to limit the screen time cannot be completed in a day or two. You need to gradually cut down the screen time till you reach the desired level. Stay calm and positive through the process.😇
Screen time recommendation according to age :
- Under 18 months : No screens! Except video calling a parent! or a relative!.
- 18-24 months : Limit screen time to introducing screens and let them know what they are watching/seeing.
- 2-5 years : Limit screen time to 1 hour per day with educational videos and parental supervision.
- 6+ years : Keep the screen time in limit according to their usage and place consistent limits on content, time and place.
Following are some guidelines to ensure that the child has a safe and quality screen time -
1. Limit your own screen time!. Yes!, parents play an important role in a child’s life actively and passively!. Parents need to follow healthy habits to encourage a child to follow the same.
2. Do not allow screens in bedrooms, study rooms and during meals, homework etc.
3. Create a screen time schedule with suggestions and inputs from children, so they follow it promptly.
4. Ensure quality screen time by previewing programs, games and apps before allowing children to view or play with them and using parental controls to block or filter internet content.
5. Discuss and talk often with children about how screens can impact their lives negatively if not used appropriately and within established limits. Encourage children to build a healthy relationship with screens.
6. Encourage unplugged and unstructured playtime according to their age, like pretend play, dressing up, hide and seek, puzzles, colouring, painting, playdough, slimes, board games, games that involve family members etc.
7. Motivate your child to be active and get involved with them. Go for walks, bicycle rides, parks/gardens, picnics, swimming, long drives, rock climbing, playing sports like cricket, basketball, football etc.
8. Encourage your child to pick up hobbies and incorporate them into their daily schedules like Reading, Writing, Painting, Cooking, Baking, Gardening, Learning Arts & Crafts, Dance, Play Musical instruments etc.
9. Motivate your child towards maintaining their health by Exercising, Practising Yoga, Pilates, Meditation etc.
10. Be firm and consistent in limiting the screen time despite the whining, tantrums and conflicts and keep reminding them that these limits and guidelines are important for their well being.
You can buy toys/games to keep children busy from :
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Please Note : This post contains product links from www.amazon.in
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