An Honest Look at Screen Time for Kids
Kids nowadays spend an increasing amount of time on their digital devices. Every parent holds their own perspective on screen time for kids, but excessive screen use can have negative effects on children. Here are some of those effects.
The Negative Impact Of Screens
Eye Strain
Staring at screens can cause dry eyes, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. If these eye problems persist, more severe eye issues can develop. In addition to eye damage, too much screen time can lead to sleep issues.
Sleep Issues
The artificial blue lightemitted from screens stimulates the brain and keeps people alert. Naturally, this messes with a person’s sleep cycle. Watching TV too close to bedtime will throw off sleep routines, leaving children fatigued all day. In addition, sleep is necessary for memory formation. Without adequate rest, school becomes that much harder for kids.
Body image problems
Children, left to their own devices, can develop serious body image issues. Social media platforms are great at creating unattainable beauty standards in vulnerable people. The idealistic images on the platforms work their way into the minds of children( anyone, really) and give them self-esteem issues about their bodies. That’s why digital detoxes and social media cleanses are so popular nowadays. Those who succeed in their digital detoxes often report how much more emotionally balanced and confident they became after getting rid of it.
Lower grades
There are many factors that contribute to low grades, but if your kid is struggling with low academic performance, take a look at their digital use. Screens are addicting; video games, television shows, and Social media platforms stimulate the brain's reward system. Each game level and post gives a feeling of pleasure and euphoria. As a result, reading becomes a lot less interesting. Social media platforms have been overrun, with teachers claiming that the younger generation can’t read, and the overuse of digital devices may be a factor.
How to help reduce screen time
Review What Kids Watch
To keep your children safe online, engage with what they watch to ensure that it’s appropriate. This would be a great time to suggest alternate programming, such as educational shows. If your kids are older, discuss online safety with them, especially in relation to them posting on social media.
Be a Role Model
To build better habits regarding screen time, parents should lead by example. Limit how much time you spend on your devices at home. Review your own screen time and set a shut-off time for yourself.
Build Awareness
Most phones have features that let you monitor screen time. Activate this feature on your child’s phone and help them build awareness of how much time they spend on their phone.
Limit Screen Time
Limit screen time during certain times of the day. For example, screens could be off limits during mornings before school, during dinner time, or an hour before bed. If you're looking to reduce screen time before bed, use that same hour as reading time.
Practice Eye Exercises
Simple exercises can limit eyestrain. Here is a simple one to help kids. After 20 minutes, have your child look at an object that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds. 20 seconds is the length of time it takes for the eyes to reset.
Conclusion
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