When Children Spend Too Much Time Viewing Screens
Screens are everywhere our children look! Concerns about children spending entirely too much time looking at screens, whether it be on smartphones, tablets, computers, or other electronic devices, have been voiced by parents, educators, and health professionals alike. Excessive screen time can have various impacts on children’s physical and mental well-being. Here are some potential issues associated with prolonged screen use:
Impacts On Physical Health
- Sedentary Lifestyle- Excessive screen time often leads to a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to health problems such as obesity and related issues.
- Eye Strain- Prolonged screen use can lead to eye strain, dry eyes, and discomfort.
Impacts on Mental Health
- Sleep Disruption- The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, affecting sleep patterns.
- Increased Stress and Anxiety- Excessive use of screen time on social media, and exposure to online content can contribute to stress and anxiety in children.
Educational Impacts
- Reduced Academic Performance- Spending too much time on screens may interfere with homework completion and overall academic performance.
- Impaired Social Skills- Excessive screen time may limit face-to-face interactions, potentially impacting the development of social skills.
Behavioral Issues
- Aggression and Impulsivity- Some studies suggest a link between increased screen time and behavioral issues, such as aggression and impulsivity.
Steps To Take That Will Limit Their Screen Time
To address these concerns of screens being everywhere our children look, it’s essential for parents and caregivers to establish healthy screen time limits and encourage a balanced lifestyle. Here are some tips:
- Set Limits –Establish clear rules on screen time duration. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen time to 1-2 hours per day for children aged 2-5 and encouraging consistent media-free times, such as during meals and before bedtime.
- Promote Physical Activity –Encourage outdoor play and other physical activities to counterbalance sedentary screen time.
- Create Tech-Free Zones –Designate certain areas of the home, such as bedrooms, as tech-free zones to promote better sleep hygiene.
- Monitor Content –Be aware of the content children are exposed to and ensure it is age-appropriate. Discuss online safety and responsible digital behavior.
- Encourage Face-to-Face Interaction –Foster in-person social interactions. Children need to develop and strengthen interpersonal skills
Backyard Fun Factory offers a way to lessen a family’s screen time! Backyard Playsets offer a safe place for a child to exercise their growing bodies and enjoy the time doing it. Our playsets offer a strong, beautiful playset customized to fit perfectly in their own backyard.
Our customized playsets can provide a unique and enjoyable experience for families. We can cater to their specific needs and preferences. A place to forget about all the screens for awhile.
Our creation of wood, plastic and metal become an integral part of the family. Many cherished memories of the children, who will continue to grow, and to maybe have kids of their own to play on it one day. With time away from screens, the playset comes to have a life and personality, to almost become a member of the family. We love this! THIS, is why Fun is our middle name.
FUN IS OUR MIDDLE NAME!
Please go to our YouTube channel and check out some of our testimonials
Can’t wait to meet or hear from you!
Fort Worth/White Settlement Showroom
7600 White Settlement Road
Hours: Tues-Sat – 9:00-4:00
Phone – 940-479-2439
Frisco Showroom
301 King Rd. Suite 1
Hours: Tues-Sat – 9:00-4:00
Phone – 940-479-2439
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