Navigating the Digital Babysitter: The Impact of Screen Time on Children
In the bustling capital of Windhoek, Namibia, the modern family faces a familiar dilemma: balancing the constant demands of parenting with the equally pressing needs of daily life. With work, household responsibilities, and personal commitments vying for attention, parents often turn to a readily available and seemingly harmless helper - screen time.
John van der Linde (Psychological Counsellor) - Today, digital devices serve as a contemporary pacifier, a means to alleviate a child's energetic spirit momentarily. But what are the implications of this digital distraction? As a psychological counsellor, I delve into the nuanced relationship between
screen time and child development, offering insight into the long-term impacts that may unfold far from the screen's glow.
The Digital Quandary
In our tech-savvy society, smartphones, tablets, and televisions have become ubiquitous, and with
them, the temptation to use screen time as a temporary childminder grows. It's a scene familiar to
many Windhoek parents: a child's restlessness is swiftly soothed by a cartoon's enchanting animations
or a mobile app's interactive world. Yet, this seemingly simple solution harbors complex consequences.
Understanding the Impact
The American Academy of Paediatrics’ recommends that children aged 2 to 5 be limited to one hour
of high-quality programming per day and that parents co-view media with children to help them
understand what they're seeing. But what happens when these guidelines are exceeded, as is often
the case when screens are used to keep children at bay?
Cognitive Development
Children's brains are highly malleable, experiencing rapid growth and development. Excessive screen
time can impede this process, potentially leading to issues with attention span, memory, and problem-
solving skills. Interactive screen time can be educational but must replace the rich learning experiences
of unstructured play and human interaction.
Physical Health
Screen time's sedentary nature contributes to a lack of physical activity among children, which can
lead to obesity and associated health risks. Moreover, staring at screens for extended periods can
result in eye strain and disrupt healthy sleep patterns, both critical elements for a child's physical well-
being.
Did you know?
Addictive
Children who spend too much time using online media can be at risk for a type of additive behavior called problematic internet use.
STATS
Negative impact of technology on children
1. Relationships and Social Skills Issues
2. Health Problems
3. Browsing Online Can Be Dangerous
4. Mobile Device Overuse Reduce Sleep Quality
5. Is Your Smartphone Affecting Your Relationship With Your Kids?
screen time and child development, offering insight into the long-term impacts that may unfold far from the screen's glow.
The Digital Quandary
In our tech-savvy society, smartphones, tablets, and televisions have become ubiquitous, and with
them, the temptation to use screen time as a temporary childminder grows. It's a scene familiar to
many Windhoek parents: a child's restlessness is swiftly soothed by a cartoon's enchanting animations
or a mobile app's interactive world. Yet, this seemingly simple solution harbors complex consequences.
Understanding the Impact
The American Academy of Paediatrics’ recommends that children aged 2 to 5 be limited to one hour
of high-quality programming per day and that parents co-view media with children to help them
understand what they're seeing. But what happens when these guidelines are exceeded, as is often
the case when screens are used to keep children at bay?
Cognitive Development
Children's brains are highly malleable, experiencing rapid growth and development. Excessive screen
time can impede this process, potentially leading to issues with attention span, memory, and problem-
solving skills. Interactive screen time can be educational but must replace the rich learning experiences
of unstructured play and human interaction.
Physical Health
Screen time's sedentary nature contributes to a lack of physical activity among children, which can
lead to obesity and associated health risks. Moreover, staring at screens for extended periods can
result in eye strain and disrupt healthy sleep patterns, both critical elements for a child's physical well-
being.
Did you know?
Addictive
Children who spend too much time using online media can be at risk for a type of additive behavior called problematic internet use.
STATS
Negative impact of technology on children
1. Relationships and Social Skills Issues
2. Health Problems
3. Browsing Online Can Be Dangerous
4. Mobile Device Overuse Reduce Sleep Quality
5. Is Your Smartphone Affecting Your Relationship With Your Kids?
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