Recent research shows that most children nowadays tend to spend six to eight hours per day using technology – whether it’s a tablet, smartphone, television, computer or gaming console. Moreover, children are also using multiple devices at any single moment. In case you’re unaware, there are various negative effects experienced when children get exposed to too many technology-related products.
Therefore, in this comprehensive guide, we’ll be discussing the negative effects of too much screen time and how the same can be skillfully eliminated.
The Negative Effects Of Screen Time For Children
According to well-known childcare in Auckland, it has been proved via reports that too much screen time, especially close to bedtime, can make children face difficulty in falling asleep. This is because – the light that’s produced from tablets and smartphones reduce the production of melatonin – which is responsible for making your body fall asleep and stay asleep.
So, when your children use technology close to bedtime, the same keep their brain active and thereby affects their ability to fall asleep. Too much screen time has also been linked to anxiety and depression in children.
Besides, when children tend to spend more time on their technological devices, they’re also at a higher risk of being obese. This is because children become less active when they’re occupied with their devices. Furthermore, simultaneously eating and staying occupied by a technological device leads to overeating because when children are focused on watching or using such devices, they tend to bother less about the food that they’re eating.
But, despite the above-mentioned negative issues, there are multiple benefits of exposing your child to technological products – especially when they’re managed and utilised properly. It’s crucial to remember that children shouldn’t be eliminated from using technology because when they learn to use such devices, they can develop the skills that they need later in their lives.
How to maintain a technology balance
Moderation is the key to success in all things. Technology can sometimes be used too often in sports training. It becomes more about the numbers than the game itself.
These are some ways you and your child can keep the tech balance.
- Have a family discussion about how technology can fit into your life and how you plan on spending time with your loved ones away from a screen.
- Make set ground rules for the use of devices.
- Talk to your children about online and mobile technology. Help them understand the differences and how to interact with others in real life.
Tips To Create A Perfect Balance Between Physical Play And Technology
1. Create Limitations
It’s recommended that children who are between 18-24 months old and who are up to 2-5 years old should only be limited to one hour of screen time per day. It’s also suggested that parents should interact with their children so that they can guide their children as to which things they should watch and which they shouldn’t.
2. Try To Be A Role Model
As a parent, you have to set an example for your children by decreasing your screen time or the time you spend interacting with technological devices. For instance, when you’re having dinner with your children, remember to turn your television off and leave the technological devices in another room, so that you and your child can only focus on eating.
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