Key Points
Digital technologies have become an inevitable part of life and finding balance will support children's learning and development.
Setting clear boundaries and time limits are important.
Activities are important for children's development; digital technology can form a part of this.
Tips that can help setting healthy screen time habits.
INTRODUCTION
As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, so does the amount of time children spend on screens. From smartphones to tablets and laptops, screens have become a ubiquitous part of modern-day life. While screens can provide many benefits, including educational resources and entertainment, excessive screen time can have a negative impact on children's health and wellbeing. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children aged 8 to 10 years spend an average of 6 hours per day on screens, while teenagers spend an average of 9 hours per day (1). That's a lot of time staring at a screen! Studies have linked excessive screen time to sleep problems, behavioral issues, and even obesity. But it's not just physical health that's impacted. Excessive screen time can also have a negative impact on children's academic performance and social skills. That's not to say screen time is bad! Forming healthy behaviors with screen time will actually promote learning and help children thrive.
FINDING BALANCE
In today's digital age, screens are everywhere, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to find a balance between screen time and other activities. While screens can be a source of entertainment and education for children, excessive screen time can have negative effects on their health and wellbeing. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children aged 2 to 5 years should have no more than one hour of screen time per day, while children aged 6 years and older should have consistent limits on the amount of time they spend on screens (1). To promote a healthy balance, parents can encourage their children to engage in other activities such as outdoor play, reading, and socializing with friends and family. It's important for parents to model healthy screen habits themselves, such as setting limits on their own screen time and avoiding screens during family time or meals. By finding a balance between screen time and other activities, children can develop healthy habits and enjoy the benefits of both the digital and non-digital worlds.
TIPS TO CREATE HEALTH SCREEN TIME HABITS (2)
Making rules about screen time and digital technology use can help parents manage their children's screen time. It's important to set clear boundaries and stick to them. This can include rules such as limiting screen time to a certain number of hours per day or not allowing screens during mealtimes or before completing homework.
Aim for short screen time sessions to ensure that your child is not spending too much time on screens. Encouraging frequent breaks during screen time can also help reduce eye strain and the negative effects of prolonged screen exposure.
Getting your child moving, especially outside, is crucial to their overall health and wellbeing. Encouraging physical activity can help offset the negative effects of screen time and promote healthy habits.
Imagining and creating can be a great alternative to screen time. Encourage your child to engage in activities such as drawing, painting, or building with blocks to promote their creativity and imagination.
Encouraging play and friendship with others can help reduce screen time and promote healthy social skills. Encourage your child to spend time with friends and family, engage in group activities, and participate in community events.
Avoiding screen time and digital technology use before bed is important to promote healthy sleep habits. The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt the body's natural sleep cycle and make it difficult to fall asleep.
Keeping digital technology out of bedrooms at night is also important to promote healthy sleep habits. Creating a screen-free bedroom can help reduce the temptation to use screens before bed and promote better sleep hygiene.
Written by Viet Chu, Wellbeing and Child Advocacy Lead Educator
Reference
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019). Children and media tips. Retrieved from https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Children-and-Media-Tips.aspx
raisingchildren.net.au. (2023). Screen time and digital technology use for children 6-11 years: tips for balance. Retrieved from
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