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The amount of time children spend on screens has increased dramatically in recent years. From TVs, to smartphones, tablets and games consoles, screens are a huge part of most kids’ lives today. While technology offers many benefits, there are also risks if screen time isn’t managed well. Finding the right balance is key for healthy development.
The Risks of Excessive Screen Time
Too much screen time has been linked to a number of health and developmental issues in children. These include:
· Obesity – Sitting for long periods can contribute to weight gain and related health problems.
· Sleep issues – The blue light emitted from screens can disrupt normal sleep patterns.
· Behavioural problems – Screen time has been associated with issues like ADD/ADHD, aggression and antisocial behaviour. · Impaired learning – Excessive screen time may impair skills like focus, concentration, memory and imagination.
· Social isolation – Time spent on screens reduces opportunities for real social interaction and play.
Setting Reasonable Time Limits
To strike a healthy balance, experts recommend setting limits on screen time based on age:
· Under 2s – No screen time at all, apart from occasional video chatting.
· 2-5 years – Just 1 hour per day of high quality programming.
· 6-12 years – No more than 2 hours per day of recreational screen time.
· 13-18 years – Consistent limits on time spent gaming, streaming and social media.
Having tech-free times and zones can also help, like no screens during meal times or in bedrooms. Be sure to set a good example by limiting your own screen use around children.
Promoting Healthy Screen Use
Simply restricting screen time is not enough – it’s important to make the time children do spend on screens meaningful and enriching. Parents can promote healthy screen use by:
· Co-viewing and discussing content together with younger kids.
· Choosing educational shows and apps. · Playing active video games that encourage movement.
· Using devices together for creative pursuits like making videos or art.
· Exploring online with kids to spark curiosity and learning.
The key is to ensure screen time complements, rather than replaces, offline activities, social interaction, play, exercise and sleep. Moderation and supervision are essential. If you provide foster care in Walsall, set boundaries around screen time that are age appropriate.
Managing Screen Time Tantrums
· Set clear limits ahead of time. Establish screen time rules and consequences in a calm moment. This avoids making heated decisions in the moment.
· Provide a warning before screen time is over. A 5 or 10 minute warning helps prepare kids for the transition.
· Suggest an engaging alternative activity. Have some play time, crafts, reading or exercise ready to direct your child’s energy.
· Avoid abrupt screen cut-offs. Save their game progress or pause the show before turning it off to reduce frustration.
· Remain calm but firm. Don’t get drawn into heated negotiation – stick to the time limits you set.
· Offer rewards for tantrum-free screen time endings. Praise good behaviour and give a reward like a sticker.
· Take away screen time privileges. Follow through on consequences for major or repeat tantrums by taking away the next day’s screen time.
· Distract and comfort after tantrums. Engage your child in something fun and give them some comfort to help calm down.
With patience, consistency and prevention, you can minimize screen time tantrums and handle them effectively when they do occur. The key is setting reasonable limits and being responsive to your child’s needs.
