Screen time is the name given to the amount of time spent in front of any type of screen, be it a TV, mobile or iPad, counts towards your total screen time.
According to a survey, more than 83% of kids say that they use electronic devices more than 3 hrs per day and 85% of moms allow their preschooler to play with their phone. 1 out of 10 kids between age 5 and 8 are allowed unlimited use of the Internet without any parental monitoring.
It can be hard to keep children away from their favourite smartphone apps, video games, or e-books. Here we round up some facts & expert advice about child’s screen time.
How much screen time is okay for kids?
American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) recommends no screen time for 18 months and younger child, an hour or less a day of high-quality digital media for 2 to 6 years child, for 6 years and above, the amount of daily screen time depends on the child and family, but one should prioritize productive time over entertainment.
Risk of more screen time
Too much screen time can cause burning or itchy eye, headaches, eye strain, and poorer sleep after using the devices. Screen time might hurt social, emotional and behavioural development. It can also cause weight issue, sleep issues and many other unhealthy habits in kids.
Managing your kid’s screen time, the top tips –
Be involved with kids while watching TV & video games, plan outdoor activities, resist giving devices when going out. Start reducing the screen time slowly, below are some tips to manage screen time for your child:
1. Set an example; reduce your screen time to be a good role model for your child.
2. Be involved & play with your kids, get them involved in extra-curricular activities like dancing, painting, yoga etc. Don’t use a screen in the dark
3. Watch things together: Parents should work to make time spent watching screens more of a social activity.
4. Make the bedroom a screen-free zone.
5. Spend some time outdoors activities.
6. Have screen free days.
Use high-quality media that can help children develop important skills, and there are some great games and apps in market that support reading, math, and other skills. American Academy of Paediatrics AAP supports toddlers using face-to-face interactive media, such as Skype video conversations with grandma can promote healthy development in kids. There is no harm in using devices when used for communication and development rather than entertainment.
If you are struggling to keep your child away from screen – Register here for free counsellor support.
If you are looking at starting preschool for kids check out the list of top preschools in India here.