Children Should Have Limited Screen Time a Day final

 

 

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Children Should Have Limited Screen Time a Day 

        Everyday, children spend too much of their time on electronics. They will be eating out at a restaurant, at a family gathering, or even at outdoor events with a screen six inches from their face. With too much screen time, children face short-term and long-term effects such as physical discomfort and complications within brain development. Children under the age of 10 should not have unlimited screen time. As individuals with children, it is your job to prevent them from suffering the consequences of too much screen time. 

        Many may argue that screens and technology are good for your children, that it helps them learn and discover new things. An article states that certain skills can be developed with an increase of technology in learning environments. These skills consist of digital, creative, problem-solving, communication, social, and goal-setting skills. With supervised screen usage, children can discover new interests and hobbies, or topics they want to learn about. Or that when they discover something in the real world, they are able to research it and dig deeper into what they love. It could help them academically in a more efficient way rather than traditional pen, paper and textbook. Children could play online video games that require critical thinking or problem solving. However, the negatives of screen time outweigh the positives and we should focus on preventing than putting children at risk. 

        Those who have an excessive amount of screen time a day are likely to experience short term effects along with long term. The short-term effects consist of trouble sleeping, mood changes, and mental health struggles. Due to the bright screens, our bodies have trouble releasing Melatonin; a chemical that helps us sleep and keeps us asleep in response to darkness. Your grandchild may experience mood changes and short tempers. As an individual that has grown up while technology was evolving quickly, I’ve experienced firsthand how too much screen time can leave people with less patience and tolerance, making it easier for them to snap on people.  

        The most significant long-term effects consist of brain development, brain structure, and addiction. Unicef, described how an increased screen time usage leads to inability to empathize. Not only is empathy at stake, but other brain development factors such as cognitive skills, brain structure, and addiction. According to the article, studies have shown that face to face interaction is the only way for young children to learn to understand non-verbal cues and interpret them. Excessive screen time leads to a delay in language development and impaired attention/concentration. 

        To be more specific in terms of brain structure, an article about the effects of screen time says that it can affect the cortex; the outer layer of your brain responsible for processing information, decision making, and working memory. "A study called Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) revealed that some kids who use screens more than seven hours a day had a thinner cortex than those who use less," it says.  

        Screen time can become addictive. Because many individuals use their screens as a reality escape, a getaway, they often rely on it for a serotonin boost and so without it, they have withdrawals. When those who are used to having multiple hours of screen time a day find themselves feeling anxious without their screen. This can result in negative impacts on children's behavior and cognitive development as well. 

        There are ways to prevent your grandchildren from experiencing any of these effects. Set screen time limits; downtime hours for your grandchild's devices if they have any. With custom downtime settings, you would have control of your grandchild's screen time completely. You'd dictate just how much screen time they are allowed each day and set times for when the devices shuts down until rebooting at a certain time, also of your choice.  

        An article about how to guide the child suggests that you make tech-free zones in the household. For example, the kitchen table, any time a family meal is occurring, or even when they are eating a snack at the table, no devices. Another example could be bedtime. No devices when getting into bed for the night because screen time right before bed prevents deep sleep.

    With these changes, you clear the path to our children having a better future. Too much screen time affects our children with short-term and long-term effects, physically and mentally. Many may argue that technology is beneficial for the children and it can help developing certain skills. However, the negative impacts outshine the positive ones. By initiating rules such as tech-free zones and set down times, you can ensure your child/grandchild to a healthy childhood with healthy habits.