Screen time has not only hampered the lives of adults but also has an adverse impact on the mental and physical health of children. From a very young age, electronic gadgets like smart phones, laptops, and tablets. Television was a problematic device when we millennials were young, but it did not affect us as much these internet screens are affecting young kids these days.
From watching screens while eating food to completing assignments online, from mindlessly scrolling social media to reading e-books, screens have taken majority control over the lives of children. These rectangular devices impact hugely on mental as well as physical health. To understand how screen time affects children, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Kishore Kumar, Paediatrician and Neonatologist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru.
Explaining the effects of screen time on kids, Dr Kumar said, “Excessive screen time has been associated with delayed speech development leading to selective mutism and often confused with autism.”
Mental Health Impacts
Screen time can lead to several mental health problems in kids. Dr Kumar has listed down some impacts of screen on mental health below.
Attention Problems and Hyperactivity
Excessive screen time has been linked to attention issues and hyperactivity in children. According to Dr Kumar, the fast-paced nature of many digital media can shorten attention spans and make it harder for children to concentrate on tasks that require prolonged focus.
Also read: Children’s Health: Can Common Infections Trigger Mental Health Illnesses In Kids?
Sleep Disturbances
Screen time, especially before bed, can interfere with sleep patterns. “The blue light emitted by screens can suppress melatonin production, making it difficult for children to fall asleep and stay asleep,” Dr Kumar explained. Poor sleep quality and insufficient sleep can, in turn, lead to problems with mood, behaviour, and cognitive function.
Emotional and Behavioral Issues
High screen time is associated with increased risks of anxiety, depression, and other emotional problems. When asked how screens can lead to emotional problems, Dr Kumar said, “Children who spend more time on screens are prone to experiencing social isolation and less face-to-face interaction, which are crucial for emotional development.”
Impact on Social Skills
Dr Kumar said that excessive screen use can hinder the development of social skills. Children who spend more time on screens may have fewer opportunities for real-life social interactions, which are essential for learning communication skills, empathy, and forming meaningful relationships.
Physical Health Impacts
Being glued to screens for long hours can make children inactive and lack of physical activity can lead to several physical problems. Below are some of the physical issues listed by Dr Kumar.
Obesity and Physical Inactivity
Increased screen time is strongly linked to sedentary behaviour, which can contribute to obesity. Children who spend more time on screens are less likely to engage in physical activities, which are essential for maintaining a healthy weight and overall fitness.
Vision Problems
Talking about eye-related problems, Dr Kumar said, “Prolonged screen use can lead to eye strain, dryness, and discomfort, collectively known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. Children may also experience blurred vision and headaches from too much screen time.”
Musculoskeletal Issues
Dr Kumar warned that spending long hours on screens can cause poor posture, leading to neck, shoulder, and back pain. The lack of physical activity and improper ergonomic setups can exacerbate these issues.
Impact on Motor Skills
Excessive screen time can limit opportunities for developing fine and gross motor skills. Physical activities and hands-on play are crucial for motor development in children, and screens can detract from time spent on these activities.
Also read: Myopia In Children: What Parents Can Do To Manage The Condition
Recommendations for Managing Screen Time
In order to limit the screen time of children, parents must take these steps recommended by Dr Kumar to safeguard the mental and physical health of their children.
1. Set Limits
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends that children aged 2-5 years should have no more than one hour of high-quality screen time per day. For older children, consistent limits on the amount of screen time and types of media should be established.
2. Encourage Physical Activity
Dr Kumar advised parents to ensure children get plenty of physical activity each day. Encourage outdoor play, sports, and other activities that require movement.
3. Promote Healthy Sleep Habits
Create a screen-free bedtime routine. Dr Kumar emphasised on turning off all screens at least one hour before bed to help children wind down and prepare for sleep.
4. Engage in Co-Viewing and Discuss Content
Parents should co-view media with their children and discuss the content. This helps children understand what they are watching and can mitigate some negative effects by providing context and guidance.
5. Model Healthy Screen Use
Parents should model healthy screen habits. Children are more likely to follow guidelines if they see their parents balancing screen time with other activities.
By taking these steps, parents and caregivers can help mitigate the negative effects of screen time on children's mental and physical health, promoting a more balanced and healthy lifestyle.