Ever tried taking a phone from a toddler’s grip? Where do they get such strength at such an age? It’s like attempting to negotiate a peace treaty with a tiny, tech-savvy dictator!

In today’s digitally immersed world, screens have become an integral part of the daily life for people of all ages, including children. In some homes, it’s even impossible to share a meal without the interruption of phones. From smartphones and tablets to televisions and computers, screens offer endless opportunities for entertainment, education, and communication. Certainly and undeniably, technology has its conveniences and has significantly simplified various aspects of life. However, as the age-old adage goes, perfection is a myth, and even the most beneficial innovations come with their caveats. With increased screen time comes a growing concern about its potential impact on child development.

Understanding Screen Time

Simply said, screen time is the amount of time spent in front of a screen for activities such as watching TV, playing video games, scrolling and engaging on social media, using computers, or browsing the internet. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), excessive screen time can have adverse effects on children’s physical health, mental well-being, and socio-emotional development.

Physical Health Concerns

One of the primary concerns associated with excessive screen time is its impact on physical health. Prolonged sedentary behaviour often leads to a decrease in physical activity levels, which can contribute to obesity, poor posture, and musculoskeletal issues in children. Moreover, excessive screen time is linked to irregular sleep patterns, which can impair overall health and well-being.

Cognitive and Socio-emotional Development

Beyond physical health, excessive screen time can also affect cognitive and socio-emotional development. Studies suggest that prolonged screen exposure during early childhood may impede language development, attention span, and problem-solving skills. Excessive screen time can also interfere with the development of social skills and emotional regulation, as children may spend less time engaging in face-to-face interactions and more time in solitary screen-based activities.

Content and Context Matter

It’s important to note that not all screen time holds the same value. The type of content children interact with and the circumstances surrounding their screen usage significantly influence its effects on their development. Educational programs, interactive games, and supervised screen time can provide valuable learning experiences and enhance cognitive skills when used appropriately. However, passive screen time spent watching mindless videos or playing games that contain violent content may have detrimental effects on children’s development.

Balancing Screen Time with Other Activities

Parents need to be involved and play a big role. The important thing is to find a good mix between screen time and other activities that help kids grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests planning for how much time kids can spend on screens. This plan should consider how old the kids are, what they’re watching or doing on screens, and if it’s good quality content. It’s also important to encourage kids to play outside, read books, engage in creative activities, and spend time with family and friends. All these things help kids grow up well-rounded and happy.

Modeling

Parents play a crucial role in helping their kids use screens in a beneficial manner, thus  avoiding negative effects. They can do this by showing their kids how to use screens in a healthy way and by joining in when their kids are using screens. It’s also important for parents to talk openly with their kids about screens, set clear screen time rules , and monitor their screen activities. These things help kids learn to use screens in a smart and safe way from when they’re young.

Am I suggesting a complete elimination of screen time? As a parent, It’s a dilemma I find myself grappling with too. So let me sum it up this way, screens can be good for learning and fun, when the boundaries are well drawn and discussed. On the flip side, too much time on screens can be harmful for kids’ growth. Parents and caregivers can help by understanding the risks associated with  excessive screen time and by teaching kids to use screens wisely.

The next time you feel like exploding in frustration because your little tech genius just outsmarted you in front of everyone, take a deep breath and remember you’ve got to hold your ground. It’s all about teaching them from an early age that there’s a right time and place for everything, even for their digital antics. After all, who said parenting was just about changing diapers and singing lullabies? It’s also about mastering the art of keeping up with the tiny titans of the digital era!

This article has been written by Martha Ogonjo.