The Importance of Less Screen Time for Kids

The Importance of Less Screen Time for Kids

Helping your children develop good habits is essential if you don’t want them spending nearly all of their time in front of their computer, TV, or smartphone screen. It’s important to start limiting screen time for kids and encourage other activities as early as possible. Even though the easiest thing you can do as a parent is just turn on the TV or give your children electronic devices to keep them entertained, this can have a negative effect on their lives. This is why there should be no screen time for kids under the age of two.

It’s worth noting that too much screen time during the first few years of a child’s life can lead to attention problems, obesity, aggression, and language delays. While your kids are still young, it’s recommended you limit screen time to less than two hours per day. However, make sure you have other activities planned throughout the day. Your children shouldn’t view reduced screen time as a punishment. Encourage them to find ways to have fun without sitting in front of a computer or TV. This can include interacting with others, fun physical activities, games, and reading.

In case you’re having trouble convincing your kids to spend time outside, you can always persuade them with some cool outdoor toys. For instance, nowadays many kids would spend hours outside every day if they had a mini drone. Another great option is to get a junior ninja obstacle course for your backyard. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t make a purchase without first talking with your children and asking them which outdoor toy they way.

There is no denying that your kids will grow up relying on screens, most likely both for work and entertainment. This is okay, since parents rely on them as well. However, it’s crucial you present screens as a tool early on. Show them how much they can learn simply by going online because if you don’t, they’ll likely end up reducing the amount of educational activities they engage in as they get older. According to a study published by the American Psychological Association, the average child over the age of eight spends more than seven hours on media every day.

When they spend this much time on electronic devices, it will be hard for your kids to develop hobbies and healthy habits. If they can stay entertained throughout the whole day and even communicate with their friends on social media, they often won’t have a reason to leave their rooms. Although they may not see a problem with this type of behavior, it can ultimately lead to serious physical and mental health problems. For instance, social media is considered to be the cause for a rise in loneliness. By not having friends they can spend time with outside, your kids may develop problems with anxiety and depression.

Even though too much screen time can lead to physical and mental health problems, it’s important you come up with a good strategy for limiting it. You shouldn’t just tell your kids they aren’t allowed to spend that much time on their computer. This will make it seem like they’re getting punished for something. Instead, present them with a system that rewards them with screen time when they do their homework or chores around the house. Apart from that, you’ll need to come up with fun activities you can do together as a family. You should also get them some toys they can share with their friends to encourage them to socialize and be outside more often.

Keep in mind that while your children want to spend as much time with you as possible when they’re young. As long as you keep them entertained in other ways, you won’t have to worry about them wanting to spend too much time in front of a computer or TV screen.