How much time does your kid spend watching TV or movies, playing video games, or using a smartphone or computer? Although some screen time may be informative, particularly during the COVID-19 epidemic, it's easy to go overboard.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to restrict their children's screen usage to one or two hours per day for children under the age of two.
Children health screen time. Obesity has been related to excessive screen usage.
Your child's chance of being overweight increases as he or she watches more TV and video. The presence of a television or other electronic devices in a child's room further raises the danger. Children might also acquire a taste for junk food shown in advertisements and overeat while watching television. Learn more about the relationship between screen time and body weight. Sleep disturbances Children who spend more time in front of a screen are more likely to have problems falling asleep or have an erratic sleep cycle. Sleep deprivation may cause weariness and an increase in eating. Behavioral issues Elementary kids who spend more than two hours a day watching television, playing video games, or using a computer or smartphone are more likely to have emotional, social, or attention issues. In addition, video game exposure has been related to an increased risk of attention issues in youngsters. Academic performance issues Elementary pupils who have televisions or other screens in their beds do worse on examinations than those who do not. Violence Children might get desensitized to violence if they are exposed to it too much via the media. As a consequence, children may come to embrace violence as a normal method of dealing with situations. There is less time to play. Excessive screen usage reduces the amount of time available for active, creative play. It's possible that your child's overall screen time is more than you think. Start keeping an eye on it, and speak to your youngster about how important it is to sit less and move more. Also, go through the rules for screen time and the repercussions of breaching them. It's possible that your child's overall screen time is more than you think. Start keeping an eye on it, and speak to your youngster about how important it is to sit less and move more. Also, go through the rules for screen time and the repercussions of breaching them.Meanwhile, here are some easy ways to cut down on screen time:
- Remove any background television.
- Even if the TV is just on in the background, it is likely to attract your child's interest. Turn off the television if you aren't watching it.
- TVs, cellphones, and laptops should not be used in the bedroom.
- Those who have technology in their beds watch more television than children who do not. Keep TVs and laptops in a common location in your home to keep an eye on your child's screen time and the websites he or she visits.
- Eat away from the television.
- Allowing your youngster to eat or snack while watching television increases his or her screen time. Mindless snacking is also encouraged by the practice, which may contribute to weight gain.