Nowadays, screens are everywhere. Your child is surrounded by screens throughout their day, whether it’s a TV, a computer, a tablet, a smartphone or a console. Limiting screen time is not a simple decision because in truth not all screen time is terrible. Your child can learn a lot while on their tablet but unfortunately, it can also harm them if not appropriately managed.
There is no banning screens or living without them anymore. But, as a parent, you must be aware of the disadvantages of unlimited or unsupervised screen time. This will help you figure out the best ways to limit and monitor screen time.
The disadvantages of unlimited screen time
- Sleep deprivation: Being subjected to the blue light of screens before bed results in trouble sleeping and restless sleep for children.
- Language and speech delays: Too much screen time deprives children of opportunities to interact with others. Keeping them from developing their speech & language skills.
- Social skills problems: Being attached to a screen at all times prevents children from practising social skills. In turn, their poor social skills make them more attached to screens in a never-ending loop.
- Short attention span: Being subjected to the fast-paced world of digital screens for long times, makes the real world seem slow in comparison. It also affects the child’s ability to stay focused for longer times.
- Fear of missing out: For older children, being on social media and having a live feed of what everyone is doing develops a feeling of missing out and low self-esteem.
- Obesity: Spending too much time sitting down with no physical activity can increase the risk of obesity.
How to limit your child’s screen time?
It is possible to get the benefits of the digital world and avoid as many negatives as possible. The first step is to have a clear limit on how much time your child can spend in front of screens. Here are some simple ideas on how to start limiting and monitoring screen time:
- Preview children’s programmes, games and apps before you let your child watch or use them.
- Encourage your child to watch or play interactive programmes. Especially those that help them use their brains, and senses or interact with others.
- Learn to use parental control tools to limit or block unsuitable content
- Assign specific times that are screen-free. Meal times and while they’re out of the house are a good start.
- Stop any use of screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime to allow them to relax and get ready for bed.
- Do not use screens as a pacifier, a babysitter, or a way to stop tantrums.
- Talk to your child about the content they’re consuming. Ask questions, show interest and educate them about good and bad content.
Conclusion
Screen time is not all bad or all good. Like most things in life, your usage determines the limit of its advantages and disadvantages. As recommended by The World Health Organisation (WHO): children aged less than 2 years should not be subjected to screens at all. Children aged 2 to 6 can have 1 hour of screen time per weekday and up to 3 hours at the weekend.
For older children, there is no one size fits all approach. You will need to monitor your child’s usage of screens and determine the best plan for them. Always encourage your child to see value in the world outside of their devices. Nothing is as exciting or educational as the real world.
Disclaimer
All of Autsera’s apps and games inculding EmoGami encourage limited screen time. We automatically limit the screen time of each user of our apps through in-game tools. Furthermore, we give the parent complete control to decrease or increase that screen time as they see fit.
