Screen time is the amount of time spent using any device with a screen, such as a TV, smartphone, tablet, computer or video game. As digital penetration is on the rise in Pakistani society a new trend of increasing screen time among kids is being observed. Some people see it as a risk while others consider it part of kids’ learning experience. Fact is that screen time can have both positive and negative effects on children’s health and learning abilities, depending on the type, quality and amount of screen time. In this essay, I will discuss how screen time affects children’s physical, mental and social development, and how parents can discipline their children in using digital devices wisely.
Physical effects of screen time
One of the main physical effects of screen time is obesity. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children who watch more than two hours of TV a day are more likely to be overweight or obese than those who watch less. This is because screen time reduces physical activity, increases snacking and exposes children to junk food ads. Obesity can lead to various health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. To prevent obesity, parents should limit their children’s screen time to no more than one or two hours a day, and encourage them to play outdoors, exercise and eat healthy foods.
Another physical effect of screen time is sleep disturbance. Screen time can interfere with children’s sleep quality and quantity by disrupting their circadian rhythms, suppressing melatonin production and stimulating their brains. Sleep deprivation can cause fatigue, irritability, poor concentration and memory, and lower immunity. To promote good sleep habits, parents should avoid screen use at least one hour before bedtime, keep screens out of the bedroom and set a regular bedtime routine for their children.
Mental effects of screen time
Screen time can also affect children’s mental development in various ways. Some positive effects include enhancing cognitive skills, such as problem-solving, language and creativity, through educational and interactive media. For example, children can learn new words, concepts and facts from watching educational shows or playing educational games. However, not all media content is beneficial for children’s learning. Some negative effects include impairing academic performance, attention span and memory through exposure to violent, inappropriate or distracting media. For example, children who have TVs or other screens in their bedrooms tend to perform worse on tests than those who don’t. Children who play violent video games may also have more attention problems and aggression than those who don’t. To maximize the positive effects and minimize the negative effects of screen time on learning, parents should choose high-quality and age-appropriate media content for their children, monitor their online activities and limit their multitasking.
Social effects of screen time
Screen time can also influence children’s social development and skills. Some positive effects include facilitating communication, connection and collaboration with others through social media, online games and video chats. For example, children can stay in touch with their friends and family members who live far away, or make new friends who share their interests online. However, some negative effects include reducing empathy, face-to-face interaction and social cues through excessive or inappropriate screen use. For example, children who spend too much time on screens may have trouble reading facial expressions and body language, or understanding other people’s emotions and perspectives. Children who use screens to bully or harass others may also develop antisocial behavior and low self-esteem. To foster healthy social skills and relationships in children, parents should encourage them to balance their online and offline social activities, teach them online etiquette and safety rules and model respectful and responsible screen use.
How parents can discipline their children in using digital devices?
As digital devices become more prevalent and accessible in our society, it is important for parents to discipline their children in using them wisely and responsibly. Here are some tips for parents to help their children develop healthy screen habits:
– Set clear rules and limits for screen time based on your child’s age, needs and interests. For example, you can specify how much screen time your child can have per day or week, when they can use screens (e.g., after homework or chores are done) and where they can use screens (e.g., not in the bedroom or at the dinner table).
– Be consistent and firm in enforcing the rules and limits. If your child breaks the rules or exceeds the limits, impose appropriate consequences (e.g., reducing screen time or taking away the device) and explain why.
– Be involved in your child’s screen use. Watch or play with your child occasionally to show interest and support, ask questions about what they are watching or playing, discuss the messages and values they are learning from the media content and help them apply them to real life.
– Be a good role model for your child. Limit your own screen time when you are with your child, avoid using screens as a way to cope with stress or boredom, show respect for others online and offline and demonstrate how to use screens for positive purposes (e.g., learning new things or helping others).
Conclusion
Screen time can have both positive and negative effects on children’s health and learning abilities depending on the type quality amount of screen time they have. Parents should be aware of the potential benefits and risks of screen time for their children and discipline them in using digital devices wisely and responsibly. By doing so, parents can help their children develop healthy screen habits that will serve them well throughout their lives.
