Screen Time for Kids (S.T.K)
Nowadays, kids are extensively using smartphones and other screens which is badly affecting them physically and mentally. Do they know this? If not, then do their parents know this?
Researchers have identified new conditions and syndromes in children, such as Electronic Screen Syndrome (ESS), Computer Vision Syndrome and Internet Use Disorder (IUD), along with more familiar issues such as obesity, depression, anxiety, attachment disorder, attention deficit, autism, bipolar disorder, and problematic child behavior.
Delayed development
When a kid simply looks at a ball rolling across a tablet screen, it is a 2-D process. But when playing with a real ball, the kid experiences 3-D that can never be replaced by what is happening on a screen. It is seen that movement enhances the attention and learning ability of kids but on the other hand it is seen that technology use can result in delayed development as it restricts movement.
Attention and mental disorders
Kids who spend more time with screens may have behavioral, cognitive, social issues, and mental health issues too. Children spending seven and more hours a day on screens are twice as likely to have diagnosed with depression or anxiety.
Childhood Obesity
Obesity is one of the worst outcomes of screen media exposure because it is preventing kids, from leading an active lifestyle.
Kids spend hours lying in bed or slumped on a sofa playing a video game, watching TV or a screen. Their body is not being exercised and the commercials for drinks, candies and fast foods make them eat, so you often end up munching or drinking something. All this only leads to weight gain, which ultimately leads to obesity.
Sleep deprivation
Sleep is essential for kids development and well-being as it improves learning, memory and health generally. By watching TV or using other screens, kids delay the time they go to bed and, consequently, they have a shorter overall sleep duration.
Aggression
Many video games have violent content and seemingly harmless games on mobile phones are all about attacks, combats, killings and weapons. The language and storylines are also inappropriate for youngsters, however, kids are still exposed to it regularly and parents seem unconcerned.
Tips to reduce screen time
· Keep TV set and internet-connected devices out of the kids’ bedroom. This would eliminate the majority of screen-related issues and help in sleeping well for everyone, especially kids.
· Limit the amount of total screen time to 2 hours per day, but if a kid is experiencing attention, learning, mood, social or behavioral issues, this limit should be increased, especially on weekdays.
· Discourage screen media exposure for kids less than two years of age.
· In the evening, take a break from the screen and do some physical exercise with kids.
· Do not give food to kids while they watch TV or other screens.
· Sit and watch TV, movies and videos with kids.
· When playing a video game or watching a screen, tell kids to take a break every 20 minutes to get up and move, stretch their neck and fingers, and blink their eyes.
