Screen Time and Kids’ Health
We live in a digital world where children and teens use laptops, tablets and smartphones every day. But how much screen time is too much for kids?
Health experts agree that too much screen time can affect a child’s physical and mental wellbeing. As a parent, you want to be sure that you remain vigilant about the amount of time your child spends in front of screens each day.
When it comes to screen time, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children aged 2-5 have no more than one hour of screen time per day. For children aged 6 and above, the AAP suggests that parents establish a family media plan that outlines the number of hours each day the entire family spends on media, including video games, social media and other digital activities.
The Negative Effects of Too Much Screen Time
Excessive screen time can lead to problems, especially for children and teens. Long-term exposure can lead to:
- A decrease in physical activity
- Sleep disruption and insomnia
- Obesity
- Poor academic performance
- Social difficulties
- Lack of motivation
Tips for Setting Screen Time Limits
When it comes to screen time and kids’ health, it’s important to set limits. Here are some tips:
- Be consistent: Set specific hours or times of the day when screens are off-limits, and stick to them.
- Lead by example: If you expect your children to limit their screen time, make sure you do the same.
- Make it interactive: Instead of letting your children spend hours playing video games, encourage them to join activities or explore things together.
- Encourage other activities: Reading, playing outside, and getting enough sleep should also be part of their routine.
As parents, it’s important to remain aware of the effects of too much screen time on kids’ health and development, and set limits and guidelines to ensure that your children use digital media in a safe and healthy way.