If your children have also started online classes, then their increased screen time will be a matter of concern for you too. In fact, due to spending more time with the screens of gadgets, not only is anger and obesity increasing in children, but they are also lagging behind in social behavior and mental development.
Screen use has become normal for children in the digital age. However, excessive screen time can negatively affect children’s mental, physical and social health (Side effects of excessive screen time). To ensure correct and controlled use of screens, the Indian Academy of Children’s Disease (IAP) has come out with guidelines on screen and digital health for children and adolescents. Let us know what are the important points related to children’s screen time (screen time for kids) which all parents should keep in mind.
Why is it important to control children’s screen time (Why you should control screen time for kids)
Studies have shown that excessive use of screens (screen time for kids) in young children can lead to many problems, such as obesity, sleep disruption, decreased attention and stunted development of social skills. Digital media quickly enters children’s lives, and has a profound impact on them. Therefore, the Indian Academy of Children’s Disease (IAP) has prepared these guidelines keeping in mind the increasing use of screen time among children in India.
Side effects of too much screen time
The IAP highlights several potential negative effects of screen time that parents should be aware of:
1 Obesity:
Excessive screen time can lead to a decrease in physical activity, which can increase the risk of obesity.
Read also
2 Sleep disturbance:
Blue light from screens disrupts sleep, which can affect the timing and quality of children’s sleep. Children who watch their favorite cartoons, videos and series on the screen start compromising their sleep.
3 Attention and behavior problems:
Excessive use of screens can hinder children’s attention and cognitive development. It has been observed that children who spend more time on screen lag behind in studies and their anger increases. This screen is one of the worst effects seen in children.
4 Social and Emotional Problems:
Misuse of digital media can lead to aggression, insecurity and mental health problems in children.
How much screen time can be allowed for children of different age groups (Screen time guidelines for kids of different age groups)
The IAP has provided guiding principles for controlling screen time for children and teens based on different age groups:
-0 to 2 years old child
Without using the screen:
Children under 2 years of age should not use screens of any kind, because at this age, children’s brains develop quickly, and excessive use of screens can negatively affect their cognitive development.
Physical Games and Stories:
Parents need to participate in activities like physical games, stories, music and dance for the development of children.
Social Contact:
Video calls can enhance social interactions with nearby families.
-Child up to 2-5 years
Range within an hour:
Screening time for children in this age group should be limited to one hour per day, which should be of a high-quality educational content.
Observed Screen Time:
Parents need to accompany their children on screen use so they can better understand the content they are viewing.
Sports and Exercise:
Children need at least three hours of exercise a day, including one hour of moderate to vigorous activity.
-Child between 5 to 10 years
Maximum 2 hours:
If you are a child in this age group, we recommend that you maintain screen time to less than 2 hours.
Screen Monitoring:
Parents need to ensure that children use screens to prepare and develop skills and social interactions. Screen use for entertainment is minimal.
Reward reducing screen time:
Reward children for using screens appropriately and encourage them to record screen time.
-10-18 year old teenagers
Balanced Use:
Screen time for teens in this age group should be balanced with their other activities, including physical activity, sleep, studies, and time with family.
media literacy:
Educate teens on how to use screens in a safe and healthy way and ensure that they are not accessing inappropriate or violent content.
Limited use of social media:
Monitor teens’ social media use to maintain their cyber safety and spot signs of cyberbullying or media addiction.
Other tips for digital wellness (Tips for digital wellness for children)
Prepare a media plan:
Create a family media plan that outlines time, content and rules for screen use.
Provide examples:
Children follow their parents. Therefore, parents should pay attention to their screen usage and set an example of restrained use in front of their children.
Create a screen free zone:
Designate certain areas in the house as screen-free zones, such as the bedroom, dining table, and kitchen, so that family members can focus on communication instead of screens in these spaces.
Alternative use of screen:
Get kids involved in physical play, reading, and screen-free hobbies.
Discuss screen time:
Discuss with children the content viewed during screen time. So that children can understand it better.
Cyber security:
Raise awareness about cyber safety for teens and tell them to report any unpleasant experiences immediately.
conclusion
Controlling screen time can be a challenging task, especially in today’s digital age. Parents can keep their children’s screen usage safe and balanced by following IAP guidelines. This will not only safeguard the cognitive and social development of children, but will also be helpful in maintaining their physical and mental health. Teaching children a healthy and balanced digital lifestyle serves as a strong foundation and contributes positively to their overall development.
Also read – Eye Strain: Increased screen time is increasing the risk of eye strain, know how to avoid it
