Author: Shreya sen (Sister Tutor, Nsms Nursing Institute)
Published On: 21-09-2024 | 6 min Read

The impact of screen time on children's health and development can be both positive and negative, depending on the type, duration, and context of screen use. Excessive screen time is associated with negative outcomes, such as reduced physical activity, poor sleep quality, impaired social skills, attention problems, and increased risk of obesity and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. However, when used in moderation, screens can offer educational benefits, support social connections, and help develop digital literacy. The key is balancing screen time with other activities and ensuring that the content is age-appropriate and engaging.

The impact of screen time on children’s health and development has been a topic of extensive research and debate among parents, educators, and healthcare professionals.

Here are some key points to consider:

 

1. Physical Health

Obesity: Excessive screen time, especially when combined with sedentary behaviour, can contribute to childhood obesity. This is often due to reduced physical activity and increased consumption of high-calorie snacks while watching TV or playing video games.

Sleep Disturbances: Prolonged screen exposure, especially before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep.

Eye Strain: Extended use of screens can lead to digital eye strain, which may cause discomfort, blurred vision, and headaches.

2. Cognitive Development

Attention and Focus: Some studies suggest that excessive screen time, particularly with fast-paced or over stimulating content, may impair a child’s ability to focus and sustain attention.

Language Development: For very young children, passive screen time (like watching videos) might hinder language development. However, interactive screen time (such as educational games or video chatting with family) can have positive effects, especially when guided by an adult.

Academic Performance: High levels of recreational screen time have been associated with lower academic performance in some studies. However, educational content and moderated use can enhance learning and provide valuable skills.

3. Social and Emotional Development

Social Skills: Excessive screen time can reduce the time children spend interacting with peers and family, which is crucial for developing social skills and emotional intelligence. Face-to-face interactions are important for learning empathy and understanding social cues.

Behavioural Issues: Some research links high screen time with increased risks of behavioural problems, such as aggression, particularly when children are exposed to violent or inappropriate content.

Mental Health: There is evidence suggesting a correlation between high screen time and increased risks of anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem, particularly when screen time displaces other positive activities such as social interaction, outdoor play, and family time.

4. Positive Aspects of Screen Time

Educational Benefits: Educational apps, programs, and videos can provide learning opportunities and improve skills like reading, math, and problem-solving. Interactive and age-appropriate content can be particularly beneficial.

Social Connection: Screen time can help maintain social connections with friends and family, especially in geographically dispersed families or during times when in-person interaction is limited.

Digital Literacy: Moderate screen time can help children develop digital literacy and technical skills, which are increasingly important in the modern world.

5. Recommendations for Healthy Screen Time

Age-Appropriate Limits: Organizations like the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) suggest that children under 18 months should avoid screen time except for video chatting. For children aged 2 to 5, screen time should be limited to 1 hour per day of high-quality programming. For older children, consistent limits should be set to ensure screen time does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, and other healthy behaviours.

Active Engagement: Parents should co-view or co-play with children, discussing the content and encouraging critical thinking.

Encourage Balance: Promote a balance between screen-based activities and other activities such as outdoor play, reading, and hobbies.

MANAGEMENT:

The management of the impact of screen time on children’s health and development is a multifaceted issue that requires a balanced approach. Here are some strategies to manage screen time effectively:

 

1. Set Screen Time Limits

Guidelines: Follow age-appropriate guidelines for screen time. The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) recommends no screen time for children under 18 months, except for video chatting. For children aged 2 to 5, screen time should be limited to one hour per day of high-quality programming.

Consistency: Establish consistent rules about screen time across all devices (TV, tablets, smartphones, etc.).

2. Promote Quality Content

Educational Content: Choose educational and age-appropriate content that encourages learning, creativity, and positive social behaviours.

Co-Viewing: Whenever possible, co-view with your child to help them understand and interpret what they see.

3. Encourage Alternative Activities

Physical Activity: Encourage outdoor play, sports, and physical activities to ensure children get adequate exercise.

Reading and Hobbies: Foster a love for reading and other offline hobbies, such as drawing, music, or building toys.

4. Model Healthy Screen Use

Lead by Example: Children often mimic adult behaviours. Model balanced screen use and demonstrate how to take breaks from screens.

Device-Free Zones: Establish “device-free” zones or times, such as during meals or in bedrooms, to promote family interaction and better sleep hygiene.

5. Monitor Content and Usage

Parental Controls: Use parental controls to monitor and limit the content your children can access.

Discuss Online Safety: Teach children about online safety, privacy, and the importance of not sharing personal information.

6. Address Behavioural and Health Concerns

Behavioural Signs: Be alert to signs of screen addiction or behavioural changes, such as irritability, withdrawal from social activities, or declining academic performance.

Health Effects: Monitor for physical health issues, such as eye strain, headaches, or poor posture, and encourage regular breaks.

7. Foster Social Interaction

Family Time: Encourage activities that promote family bonding and face-to-face interaction with peers.

Community Engagement: Get children involved in community activities, such as clubs, sports teams, or volunteer work, to build social skills and reduce screen dependency.

8. Create a Screen Time Schedule

Balance and Routine: Develop a daily routine that includes a balanced mix of screen time, homework, chores, physical activities, and family time.

Reward System: Implement a reward system where children earn screen time through positive behaviours, such as completing chores or homework.

9. Stay Informed and Flexible

Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest research and recommendations on screen time and children’s health.

Adjust as Needed: Be prepared to adjust screen time rules and practices as children grow and their needs change.

10. Open Communication

Discuss Screen Time: Have open discussions with children about screen time and its effects. Help them understand why certain limits are in place.

Encourage Self-Regulation: Teach children to self-regulate their screen time by recognizing when they need a break or when screen time is interfering with other important activities.

By applying these strategies, parents and caregivers can help mitigate the negative impacts of screen time on children’s health and development while fostering a balanced and healthy digital lifestyle.