𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬 & 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬: 𝐀 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡

As a parent, you have likely noticed that too much screen time can have negative effects on your child’s behavior. Maybe they become more irritable or have a harder time paying attention. Perhaps they start arguing with you more about using their devices. Too much screen time can also lead to sleep issues and problems with weight gain. All of these behavioral and health concerns are valid reasons to limit your child’s screen time.

To help our children and ourselves become aware of the potential harms of screen time and screen addiction, one of the first steps is to educate both ourselves and them in the greatest depth possible. This will make us more mindful of our own limits and expectations when it comes to screens, as well as make our children more willing to accept our restrictions. Additionally, it can be helpful to have messages around their bedrooms and study areas that emphasize the dangers of screens, as well as to have audio and visual reminders that play each time they take or switch on screens.

 

The harmful effects of screens on children are well documented. Although most parents are aware of the dangers of too much screen time, many don't realize the full extent of the problem. But, as parents, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our children’s screen time is limited and balanced with other activities.

 Studies and observations have shown that excessive screen time can lead to a host of issues, including behavioral problems, aggression, disobedience, living in a non-realistic world, sleep problems, obesity, learning problems, social difficulties, and much more.  

For children, being exposed to too much technology can lead to a lack of physical activity. Kids today would rather stay indoors and play on their phones or tablets than go outside and engage in physical activity. This can lead to developing a more fragile body that lacks not only required strength and stamina, but also some of the vital vitamins naturally available when kids get open to sunlight and outdoor or social activities.  

Also, sitting and getting glued to the screens most of the time can lead to the risk of excess weight gain and even obesity, especially if the screen time is combined with unconscious taking of junk foods. Being less active and consuming more calories than the amount burnt is a fatal unhealthy combination for the kids as well as adults.  

 Too much screen time can also cause attention problems, which can affect academic performance. , and other behavioral issues in children. It's thought that the overstimulation from screens can interfere with brain development and lead to such problems.

Excessive screen time can also disrupt children’s sleep patterns. It’s important for children to get enough sleep so that they can focus during the day and avoid becoming cranky or irritable. Kids who are exposed to too much technology are more likely to be late at night and sleep too late in the mornings. This can lead to sleep deprivation, which can have a negative effect on their overall mental and physical health.  

Excessive screen time can also lead to social difficulties. Kids who spend too much time in front of screens may have a harder time forming friendships and interacting with other children of their age. They may become more isolated and withdrawn, which can have a long-term impact on their social development. 

Screen addiction can lead children to living in a nonrealistic world, where they don’t understand the consequences of their actions. This can lead to behavioral problems. Excessive watching of aggressive videos including that of vloggers who destroy gadgets or food items just for attracting viewers, or playing aggressive video games can cause in developing aggressive and destructive behavior patterns in the kids.

 Most parents these days are aware of the dangers of mobile phone radiation, but many still allow their children to use them. This is particularly true for those 
who have young children not old enough to understand the risks. It's important to be remembered that by limiting use of the phones, we are protecting our kids from mobile phone radiation as well. If they only use it for short periods of time, or only when they are in an area with good reception, they will be exposed to less radiation. By learning more about the damages and nature of mobile radiation, we can be more serious and aware of our responsibilities towards the children in this regard.

 Finally, reducing screen time can help children focus on other things besides entertainment. If children are always staring at screens, they may miss out on opportunities to engage in creative play, read books, or spend time with family members. It’s important for kids to have a variety of experiences and not be fixated on one particular activity, such as using screens.  

The harms of excessive screen usage by kids (and adults as well!) are now subject to in-depth studies and you can get them in detail from various sources. We have just shared some points just for a beginning. As per your needs and your kid’s nature, you will be able to find out relevant details and data from online and other resources to educate yourself and the kid.   

Recommendations about appropriate screen time for each age of kids are available from experts. Better to consider them a good starting point for setting limits on your own child’s screen time, not a perfect rule for your specific kid. You should consider your kid’s individual needs and interests. If your child is highly active, you may want to limit their screen time even further so that they have enough opportunity to burn off energy.