USEFUL ARTICLES ON PARENTING AND CHILD REARING
2024-11-20 14:32

HOW MUCH SCREEN TIME IS ACCEPTABLE AND HOW TO REPLACE IT WITH QUALITY ACTIVITIES?

Gadgets have become an integral part of life, including for children. However, excessive screen time can affect a child's development. How can we establish balance and offer alternatives?

How much screen time is acceptable?

Expert recommendations:

  • Under 2 years old: avoid screens, except for video calls.
  • 2-5 years old: up to 1 hour per day.
  • 6 years and older: up to 2 hours of screen time.

It’s important to consider not only the duration but also the content. Educational programs are, of course, far more beneficial than passive viewing of shorts on YouTube.

Why is it important to limit screen time?

For physical health: Excessive screen time is associated with sleep disturbances and lack of physical activity. Many adults are now trying to put their phones away at least an hour before bedtime due to the already established habit.

For emotional development: Children may become more irritable and less resilient to stress.

For cognitive growth: Live interaction and games develop imagination better than smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets.

How to replace screen time with quality activities?

1.Organize active games:
  • Outdoor activities: ball games, quests, or bike rides.
  • Indoor activities: building pillow forts, dancing to music.

2.Inspire creativity:
  • Joint drawing, sculpting, or crafting.
  • Create stories and put on home theater productions.

3.Offer educational activities:
  • Read books together or listen to audiobooks.
  • Use board games to develop logic and communication.

4.Be an example:
  • Reduce gadget use in front of your children.
  • Set "gadget-free" breaks for the whole family, for example, during meals.

Be the example for your children and show them that the world outside of gadgets is far more interesting than inside them.

Tips for implementing restrictions:

  • Set clear rules and explain their importance to the child.
  • Use timers or apps to control screen time.
  • Gradually replace gadgets to avoid protests.
Limiting screen time isn’t about banning it, but rather creating a balanced and developmental environment for your child. Try implementing at least one of these ideas today, and you will definitely notice positive changes in your children’s behavior and mood. But most importantly, you must lead by example. Parents should not only talk but also act to show their children that the world outside of gadgets is far more amazing and interesting.