Too Much Time In Front Of The Screens Is Bad For Children

Staying too long in front of the screens is harmful for children. And when we say screens we are referring to the screen of television, computers, cell phones, tablets, video game consoles and any other similar device. This may sound extreme, but there are more and more children (and adults) who are addicted to the screen.

Some countries consider childhood screen addiction to be a clinical disorder, and there are specific rehabilitation facilities to treat affected children. Too much time in front of the screen is bad for your children’s health on many different levels, and should be treated like any other addiction. But, addicted or not, in any case, overexposure to screens can have important effects on the brain.

Too much time behind a digital device can be harmful

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents place a reasonable limit on screen-based entertainment media. Despite these recommendations, children between the ages of 8 and 18 spend an average of 7 and a half hours a day in front of these devices, according to a 2010 study by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.

While many parents feel that they must do more to limit screen time, they often wonder if there is enough evidence to justify this time limitation, and more often consider that screens and all that accompanying is part of our children’s culture.

However, spending too much time in front of electronic screens has been proven to have harmful effects. They are as follows:

The use of electronic screens promotes childhood obesity

Too much time in front of electronic screens increases the sedentary life of children, who usually do not have many opportunities for physical activity in their daily routine. With electronic screens the problems of overweight children increase.

The use of electronic screens causes sleep problems

Although many parents use television to help children relax before going to bed, screen exposure time before bedtime can be counterproductive. The light emitted by the screens interferes with the brain’s sleep cycle and can cause insomnia. Not to mention the light emitted by mobile devices.

The use of electronic screens increases behavior problems

School-age children who watch television or use the computer for more than two hours a day are more likely to have behavioral problems, as well as social and emotional attention issues, according to the Mayo Clinic. Watching too much television was also linked to increased aggressive behavior.

The use of electronic screens favors low academic results

School-age children who have televisions in their bedrooms or uncontrolled use of different electronic devices do worse on academic tests.

The use of electronic screens fosters violence

Exposure to violent television programs, movies or music, as well as certain types of video games can make children insensitive to violence. Over time, they can use violence to solve problems and can imitate what they see on television or in their games, according to the Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Establish rules for the use of screens and electronic devices

Children need rules to limit their time in front of the screen. In addition, their electronic activities must be monitored and supervised. Establishing rules for the use of the electronic screen will prevent technology from causing children and young people physical, emotional, social and academic problems. For this:

• Set safety rules: Children need rules to keep them safe from cyber harassment, digital pedophiles, and exposure to violence. Include in your house rules all that you think are necessary to make electronic security a priority.

• Set rules to promote social skills: Children and teens who spend too much time using electronic media may struggle with social skills. While many teens might argue that texting is their way of socializing, it’s pretty clear that it’s a very different way to bond than face-to-face. Set rules that encourage your child to participate in real-life activities and set limits on digital conversations.
• Establish rules that promote good health: Children need rules that teach them life skills, such as how to keep their minds and cups healthy. Create rules that limit your child’s sedentary activity and supervise what they see regarding violence, eliminating or minimizing all non-educational exposure.