April 21, 2022 3 min read
Do you remember the good ol’ days when you’d go outside for some fresh air or a picnic anytime you had free time? That’s all changed now - especially for the children of today. When they’re bored, their norm is playing a game on a device. Or turning on the TV to watch a show or Youtube. As adults, we know the downside of technology and can take a moment to step back. But for children who have been using screens for as long as they can remember, this might be all they know - and as they’re still developing, they’ll continue to want more screen-time for that hit of dopamine.
But why exactly is excessive screen-time bad for children? There is a host of research exploring the different impacts of prolonged technology usage. First off, using technology for long periods of time can have a negative impact on a child’s sleep quality and quantity. This is due to the EMF (Electro Magnetic Field) radiation emitted by your devices that have a huge impact on your hormone production. This irregular sleep schedule due to prolonged screen has also been linked to an increased risk ofobesity - which can actually affect self-esteem and perception, potentially leading to further isolation and screen-time. Also, this heightened exposure to blue light from the devices can affect many infants and adolescents since they are still in thedevelopment stage, and maybe highly susceptible to such unfiltered light. Furthermore, researchers have seen effects on a child’s ability to interact with peers and be empathetic due to their lack of social skills. A study even founda link between increased screen time and the thinning of the brain’s cortex - which impairs their academic performance, attention, and ability to think creatively/outside the box.
Therecommended screen time according to the American Academy of Pediatrics is none for children under the age of 2, 1 hour per day for children between 2 and 12 years old, and 2 hours a day for teens. But there are ways to ensure your children’s screen-time is under control:
It is important to keep in mind that technology has definitely changed our lives for the better too - so maintaining that healthy relationship is key. In the right amount, it can stimulate their brains, provide an outlet for their energy, and help develop cognitive skills. Plus, as a parent, it can give you time to work, finish up some chores, and practice self-care! Also - know that if your kids are already used to regular screen-time, the best way to reduce it is not to immediately stop it. For it to be sustainable, the best method is to be gradual and slow to cut down screen-time in the long run!
Have you ever thought about how your brain works? We use it every day and sometimes take its functionality for grante...
The research aims to study the blood plasma concentration of certain biological components response to sleep in men a...
Children are being constantly exposed to EMF radiation at home and in school from smart gadgets and other radiation-e...