The guidance on the healthy use of screens in children has become a necessity these days. The risks that children suffer from spending too much time using electronic gadgets are well-documented in news articles and academic studies. However, there is significantly less information available regarding the effects screen usage may have on people, particularly on parents.
But a lot of parents are overindulging in screen time. The average parent of tweens and teens spends more than nine hours per day in front of a screen. According to a Common Sense Media poll from 2016.
Although you may assume it’s because individuals had to use computers for their professions. But the poll found that only a small portion of screen time was tied to work.
78 percent of parents think they are good technology role models for their kids. Despite the hours they spend using technology.
In actuality, though, the number of hours parents spend in front of screens will probably set a poor example for their kids.
THE BIG QUESTION: WHAT DO PARENTS USE THEIR DEVICES FOR?
According to the report, the majority of parents watch TV for more than three hours every day on average. Parents claim they also spend an additional hour each day on social media. As well as an additional hour and a half playing video games. However, for guidance on the healthy use of screens in children parents need to look at their own habits.
On average, people read on e-readers for only 15 minutes every day. Over an hour and a half were spent browsing the internet. While just around an hour and a half were devoted to work-related activities.
PARENTS WORRY TOO MUCH ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN’S EXCESSIVE TECH-HOURS
While the majority of parents don’t seem to be concerned about their own screen time, they do appear to be concerned about their children’s usage of devices. A whopping 47% of tween parents and 39% of teen parents believe their children spend too much time online.
Many of them voiced concern that excessive use of social media could negatively affect a child’s conduct. Also the concentration, face-to-face interactions, and level of physical activity. These worries are supported by research. They show that excessive screen usage puts kids at risk for a range of mental and physical health issues. Along with social problems, and academic difficulties.
Since many teenagers find it difficult to function without their electronic devices, this is also a valid worry.
Unfortunately, some children are not getting the positive experiences they need to grow up. Instead of hanging out with friends, they communicate with random online users, and instead of playing outside, they play computer games.
WHY TOO MUCH PARENTAL SCREEN TIME IS HARMFUL?
Although parents are concerned about their tweens and adolescents using their devices for excessive amounts of time, there doesn’t seem to be as much fear about how this would affect their own lives.
Many of the negative consequences that children experience from using digital devices for long periods may also affect adults, including weight gain, lack of sleep, eye strain, head and neck issues, and diminished social skills.
The fact that spending too much time on digital gadgets may harm parent-child connections is possibly the biggest issue of all.
Communication between parents and their teenagers suffers when parents are preoccupied with their phones rather than giving them their whole attention. Or there are fewer opportunities for family bonding when everyone is seated in separate rooms and is glued to their screens.
Screen time inhibits genuine engagement, even if you are watching TV together. Playing catch or taking a walk will be far more effective if you genuinely want to spend quality time with your children.
SCREEN-USING PARENTS HAVE SCREEN-USING CHILDREN
According to studies, parents who frequently use digital gadgets are less inclined to limit their children’s screen time. That makes sense because it’s challenging to persuade your child to refrain from playing video games when you’re engrossed in your Xbox in the adjacent room.
so the main key point of the guidance on the healthy use of screens in children must be the change of parental habits.
However, it’s crucial to think about the habits you’re teaching your child. Researchers have discovered that screen time habits from childhood persist into adulthood. 8 If your child begins watching TV at age 10 and continues through age 20, he or she is likely to continue doing so.
It could have long-term effects if you give your child a bad example by allowing him to spend too much time on screens now. Your youngster must have the skills necessary to grow into a responsible adult. And if he is constantly attached to a screen, he probably won’t be able to live a rich and fulfilling life.
HOW TO LIMIT THE SCREEN USAGE?
You don’t need to forbid electronic devices or constantly unplug everything. However, it’s crucial to support your child in developing a positive relationship with technology.
Teach him that electronics may be used for a variety of beneficial purposes in his life and that technology is a wonderful tool. However, watch out that they don’t end up being your family’s only means of communication and enjoyment.
SET THE HOUSE RULES FOR ALL TECH DEVICES
Instead of placing restrictions only on your child’s usage of electronics, make guidelines that apply to everyone. A simple rule like “No smartphones on the bedside” or “No texting in the car—even when you’re a passenger” can encourage everyone to adopt healthier behaviors.
NO GADGETS MULTI-TASKING
Multitasking is not a good idea, even though it can be tempting to exchange texts while watching TV or surf through social media during a discussion. According to studies, multitasking impairs productivity, memory, and concentration. 9 You don’t want your youngster to develop the bad habit of using the internet or a phone while doing his homework or in class.
SCREEN-FREE MEALS
Make conversation and food the focal points of meals. Allowing your youngster to use devices while eating breakfast at the table is never a good idea. The entire family should be encouraged to schedule screen-free meals. This should be the main step in the guidance on the healthy use of screens in children. As it is one of the most habitual rituals among families all around the world.
PLAN ACTIVITIES WITHOUT INCLUDING SCREENS
Make it a habit to engage in screen-free activities like reading. But also, make it a practice to spend family time doing things away from screens. Spend your weekends playing board games or going on hikes.
KEEP A KEEN EYE ON THE DIGITAL TIME
Being a better role model for your child requires awareness of your behaviors. And not only the guidance on healthy use of screens in the children. Also, it includes the example, you set for them. Your child will catch up on your negative habits if you find it difficult to spend time with them without having your phone in your hand or if you become lost without the internet. Pay attention to how much time you spend using your gadgets each day and make any necessary reductions.
GUIDANCE NEEDS A CHARACTER
Setting limits on your children’s screen usage is not sufficient. If you want to give your child the best chance for success, you must also set a good example for healthy behavior.
Bad digital habits can creep up on you and gradually take over your life. You’re setting a poor example for your kid if you check your phone in the middle of the night or scroll through social media while at a stoplight.
Consider getting professional assistance if you have trouble putting your smartphone down or if you notice that you tend to have trouble stepping away from screens. Make an appointment with a mental health expert or with your physician.
It’s crucial to demonstrate to your child that you are aware of the problem and are prepared to make any sacrifices necessary to be the greatest parent and healthiest role model you can be. For any guidance on the healthy use of screens in children, parents need to go by the rulebook first themselves.
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