It’s not a topic I particularly enjoy discussing or writing about, but someone has to address it, even though we all know the theory very well. We know how harmful it is to spend too much time in front of screens as an adult, and even more so for the brain development of young children.
It is essential to acknowledge that excessive screen time can have negative consequences on children’s development, especially in their early years. Child development specialists frequently recommend avoiding screen exposure for children aged 0 to 3, and some recommendations extend this limit to 6 years old.
How does excessive screen exposure affect children?
An emblematic study in this regard is the research published in the journal “JAMA Pediatrics” in 2019, titled “Association Between Screen Time and Children’s Performance on a Developmental Screening Test”
Summary of the study: The study investigated the relationship between screen time and children’s performance on developmental screening tests. The research involved a large cohort of children aged 2 to 6 and analyzed the daily screen time, including television, computers, tablets, and smartphones. The results of the study showed a significant association between prolonged screen time and lower scores on developmental screening tests for children. The more time children spent in front of screens, the higher the likelihood of poorer performance on tests evaluating their cognitive, linguistic, and motor skills. The study’s conclusion was that prolonged exposure to screens during early childhood can have negative effects on children’s development, affecting their cognitive and learning abilities. Therefore, it is important to limit screen time and prioritize interactive and stimulating activities for children’s development. It is important to note that this study represents just one of many research efforts exploring the impact of screen use on children’s development, and other studies may offer additional perspectives.
Personally, when I learned about this information, I was determined to follow these recommendations and not expose my child to screens until the age of 5. However, reality turned out to be more complicated than I expected. Having two children with a 2-year age difference between them posed challenges I hadn’t anticipated.
In the first two years of my first child’s life, we managed to completely avoid screens because we were alone most of the time, and I believed it was the best option for her development. However, when we had to move to a new home and were without help, I was forced to resort to screens to cope with the respective tasks. Of course, I was not comfortable with this situation, but I felt like I had no other option in those moments.
It is important to mention that there are exceptional situations where we resort to technology to facilitate our lives, such as during a move or when we are alone and without support. However, it is essential to make these situations as rare as possible and to focus on healthier alternatives for children.
Although the ideal is to avoid exposing children to screens in their early years, reality sometimes brings unexpected challenges. Nevertheless, it is important to strive to find a balance and carefully monitor screen time to ensure healthy and balanced development for our children.
Of course, every parent faces their own challenges and must find solutions that fit their unique situation. In my case, I tried to find alternatives to screens when I was alone with my children. We organized interactive activities, read books, and spent time outdoors, rather than relying exclusively on screens for entertainment.
Another very important aspect, and here I raise an alarm, is to be very careful about the habit of eating with the phone in hand. It is quite common to see children eating with a phone in hand at the table, and sometimes they are even encouraged to do so to distract them and make them eat more easily at the beginning of the weaning process.
However, when we resort to this trick, we actually disconnect them from their own sensations and emotions. This can be dangerous, as it can teach them not to pay attention to their body’s signals and their own needs.
It is important to encourage healthy eating habits at the table, such as enjoying food without electronic distractions. This way, we give children the opportunity to develop their food awareness and to be connected to their own sensations and emotions while eating.
Excessive screen exposure can affect both physical and mental health. Spending too much time in front of screens can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to obesity and other health problems related to physical inactivity. Limiting screen time can promote an active and healthy lifestyle and contribute to maintaining positive mental health. On another note, on the mental side excessive screen exposure may be associated with increased risk of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders in both children and adults.
Strategies to avoid exposing children to the screen
- Set clear time limits: Establish clear time limits for electronic device usage, both for yourself and for children.
- Create a balanced schedule that includes time for activities away from screens.
- Create a screen-free environment: Instead of placing the television or other electronic devices in the bedroom or other common areas, encourage creating a screen-free environment in these areas to promote sleep and family interaction.
- Provide alternatives to screen activities: Encourage involvement in creative activities such as drawing, painting, or building with construction toys. Organize outdoor games and sports activities to maintain an active lifestyle.
- Be actively involved: Engage in interactive activities with children, such as reading books, playing board games, or activities that involve real-time interaction with other family members or friends.
- Be a positive role model: By limiting your own screen time and being an example for children, you provide them with a healthy model of behavior and encourage them to adopt healthy habits regarding technology use.
- Monitor content: When children use electronic devices, make sure that the content is age-appropriate and that safety and parental control measures are implemented to prevent access to inappropriate materials.
Time and age can significantly influence the amount of time a child should spend in front of a screen. Recommendations vary according to age and adapt based on the child’s developmental stage. To be sure that you are within these limits, always try to have smaller ones in mind.
How much is recommended to allow children to use the screen?
- Children under 2 years old: The World Health Organization recommends avoiding screen exposure for children under 2 years old, as this period is crucial for cognitive and social development and should be dedicated to direct interaction with adults and the surrounding environment.
- Children between 2 and 5 years old: For this age group, experts recommend limiting screen time to a maximum of one hour per day. This exposure should be under parental supervision and dedicated to educational and quality content.
- Children between 6 and 10 years old: For children in this age category, it is recommended to limit screen time to a maximum of 1-2 hours per day. During free time, encourage physical activities, outdoor games, and other offline activities that stimulate imagination and creativity.
- Adolescents: For adolescents, it is important to establish clear limits regarding technology use and encourage balance between screen time and other social and academic activities. Although it is more challenging to strictly control screen time, it is essential to open dialogue and provide guidance to promote responsible technology use.
I conclude this article by emphasizing that interaction, genuine connection, and unstructured play are the most important aspects we can invest in for our children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Nothing is more valuable than these fundamental elements.
By providing opportunities for exploration and direct interaction with their environment and others, we offer our child a solid framework to develop their skills and connect with the world around them in an authentic and profound way. It is our responsibility to be present, to guide them, and to encourage them on their journey towards maturity and emotional and mental well-being.
