Today, technology is a massive part of our daily lives. One way or another children are exposed to screens at a very young age. However, while technology does offer great educational and entertainment opportunities, balancing screen time for young children is incredibly important for a healthy development. Understanding the impact of screen time and knowing how to limit it will help your little ones develop physically, emotionally and cognitively. So, how much is too much, and what are the effects? Let’s dive in –
The impact of screen time on children
During early childhood, children’s brains are rapidly developing, and they’re learning critical skills that will literally shape their futures. While screens can offer valuable educational content, excessive screen time can have adverse effects on children’s physical, social, and cognitive development. So, it’s super important for parents and caregivers to be aware of these potential effects and take steps to manage screen time effectively.
Cognitive development
Young children learn best through hands-on activities, interactive play, and direct communication with caregivers and other children too. Excessive screen time can replace these experiences, limiting a child’s opportunity to develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and social understanding.
Physical health
One of the biggest areas screen time can affect is a child’s physical health. Extended periods of screen use often lead to sedentary behaviour (sitting down for too long), which can contribute to obesity and other health problems.
Children who spend a lot of time in front of screens are also at greater risk of experiencing eye strain, poor posture, and sleep disturbances, especially if they use screens before bedtime.
Social and emotional development
Social interaction is a large part of early childhood development. Children learn how to express and understand emotions, communicate with others, and build relationships through face-to-face interactions. Excessive screen time for children can reduce the amount of meaningful social interaction they get, limiting their opportunities to develop emotional intelligence and social skills by being around other people.
But, what about educational apps?
It turns out that many of the apps marketed as ‘educational’ may not provide the interactive learning that young children actually need. Research shows that children under the age of two don’t benefit much from screen-based learning, as they struggle to apply the information they gain from screens to real-life situations. For older children, high-quality, age-appropriate content can be beneficial, but it should not replace active, exploratory play that is essential for brain development.
Top tips for balancing screen time
Finding the right balance between screen time and other activities will mean your little one gets the best of everything. Here are some top tips for parents and caregivers to manage screen time, and encourage physical, cognitive, and emotional growth too.
1. Set screen time limits
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) who have done years of research on screen time for children, they recommend:
- No screen time for children under 18 months, except for video chatting.
- One hour per day of high-quality programming for children aged 2 to 5.
For older children, setting consistent boundaries around screen time can help ensure that screens don’t interfere with other important activities like sleep, physical play, and social interactions.
Parents can create a daily or weekly schedule that includes limited screen time, to ensure it’s balanced with other enriching activities like reading, playing outside, or engaging in hands-on crafts. Establishing screen-free zones or times (like mealtimes or before bedtime) can also help set healthy limits.
2. Prioritise content
Not all screen time is created equal. Avoid passive consumption of media that offers little opportunity for interaction or learning. The best content encourages active participation, critical thinking, and problem-solving. When screen time is interactive, it really can support learning and development. Encourage your child to engage with apps and games that require problem-solving, creativity, or critical thinking. Interactive programs that promote movement or active participation, such as dancing or playing along with educational games.
3. Model Healthy Screen Habits
This one really is important. Children often learn by watching the behaviour of the adults around them. By modelling healthy screen habits, parents and caregivers can set an example of the right amount of screen time for children. This means being mindful of your own screen time, especially during family activities, meals, or conversations.
Holistic development
Today, there’s no getting around screen time for children. But balancing the amount they spend around TVs, tablets and phones is super important for their overall development – especially during early childhood. While screens can offer educational benefits when used in the right way, remember to set boundaries and prioritise more active and engaging content that gets them moving while they learn.
This is all part of a holistic approach to childhood development – something we at Child’s Play have implemented into every part of our curriculum. If you’re looking for an early learning centre, where your little one will enjoy a balanced spread of physical, emotional, social and cognitive activities, visit a centre near you or get in touch with a member of our passionate team, who will gladly talk you through how we ensure that every child develops holistically, and in their own unique way.
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