Screen Time Impact on Kids and How to avoid it

Advanced technology and the internet go hand in hand, which in turn increases the screen time as well.

In today’s dynamic world, life is pointless without technology and the internet.

Technology plays a very important role in our daily lives nowadays.

Exposure to technology is directly proportional to the increasing screen time for everyone. 

Many technologies like computers, laptops, Mobile, smartphones, Alexa, Television, etc. are empowering kids of all ages. 

Our Present Situation

Now due to Covid-19 pandemic schools are shut-down, kids are dependent on digital medium for education and entertainment.

Internet usage via mobile and laptop screens allow students to enhance their interaction with classmates and teachers. This lockdown has brought many changes as outdoor activities have reduced and children are now spending more time at home. 

In this period of adjustment, parents try to keep their kids busy in some of the other forms of technological activity. 

Benefits of Screen Time

• Promotes development as children get to study via online and video classes
• Helps in learning new things 
• Information can be exchanged easily
• Making task easier
• Speed & Storage
• Connectivity is easier
• Improves language skills
• Can solve many complex problems
• Saves a lot of time

Disadvantages of Increased Screen Time

These electronic devices emit harmful rays and the mere presence of it in our life can cause severe problems. 

Now it has become very important to bring into the conversation regarding the dangerous effects of using such devices. 

• Anxiety and Depression- Use of social media and television in adolescents may enhance symptoms of depression.
• Obesity and Lack of Energy.
• Insomnia and Sleep disruption .
• Regular illness, Dizziness, Irritability.
• Effect of radiation on the reproductive system- Children sleep with mobile phones under their pillows, they keep them in their pockets all the time, place the laptop on their laps. The testicle is one of the most radiosensitive organs and the damage depends on the radiation dose.  It can cause ovarian failure and infertility. 
• Accelerate the aging process- Experiments have shown that radiation exposure shortens the lifespan.
• Mobile-phone radiation damages DNA– A study reveals that mobile phone radiation causes DNA damage under certain conditions.
• Can strain dry eyes, can cause Headaches and Blurred vision.
• Disrupts learning capabilities, negatively affects Cognitive Development and Beyond issues, kids form an addiction to mobile phones and laptops.
• Bad posture while watching TV can cause shoulder, neck & back pain and injury
• Mild Skin Diseases- A study reveals mobile phones were associated with a mildly increased risk of skin problems.
• It affects daily wellbeing also which includes lower self-control, more distractibility, shorter attention span, inattentiveness, difficulty in making friends, less emotional stability, and the inability to complete tasks.
• Risk of brain cancer- Some studies found that radiation equivalent to those from a phone prompted breaks in individual strands of DNA in a variety of human cells. These types of damage have been linked with cancer, whereas some studies reveal that no one knows if cellphones were capable of causing cancer, still it is advisable to consider limiting its usage.
• Its ringtone and Vibration can cause problems in concentration and creativity.  
• When the phone is held close to the head, it is exposed to the cell phone radiations and can affect children’s memory. Using phones and tablets can cause blindness. The blue light that comes from laptops and smartphones can accelerate blindness. 

How to Avoid Screen Time of Kids

Things To Do

• Children can involve themselves in DIY art and craft activities. They can paint & draw something creative.
• Help parents in household chores like dusting, mopping, and cleaning.
• Cooking Food Together or setting the table.
• Make the Bedroom a device-free zone. 
• Switch devices off when not required.
• Multiple types of screen time can add up to 7-8 hours daily for kids. Monitor all usage including mobile, laptop, TV, and tablets.
• Set a per-day limit for screen time- The guidelines according to the Canadian Health Measures screen time for children under 2 years old is not recommended and for children 2 to 5 years, limit routine or regular screen time to under 1 hour per day, whereas for children aged 5-11 2 hrs of screen time is recommended.
• Practice yoga, meditation, or some physical exercise together.
• Engage them in reading good books & storytelling activities.

Conclusion

We should avoid kids getting exposed to electronic screens. Toddlers and babies should not watch the screen.  

We as a parent should explain our kids about dangerous effects of electronic devices. We should stop them from sitting in front of any sort of screen.

For smaller children, electronic devices pose high negative consequences, with no positive outcomes.

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