Screen time & Children - Find a healthy balance

Feb 173 min read

Child on mobile device created in Leonardo.ai

In today's digital age, devices with screens are everywhere. While they offer educational opportunities and creative outlets, it's crucial to understand the potential risks of excessive screen time, especially for children.

Balancing children's screen time with outdoor activities in nature is essential for healthy development.

The Double-Edged Sword of Screen Time

Screen time can be beneficial, providing access to educational resources, fostering creativity through digital tools, and enabling communication with others. However, too much screen time can lead to physical health issues like obesity, sleep problems, and eye strain. It can also negatively impact mental health, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and attention problems. Social development can also be hindered, as excessive screen use can reduce face-to-face interaction and affect social skills.

Understanding the Risks

Studies have shown correlations between excessive screen time and various negative outcomes in children. These include physical health issues (obesity, sleep problems, eye strain), mental health challenges (anxiety, depression, attention problems), and social development concerns (reduced social interaction, language delays).

It's important to note that while these correlations exist, proving a direct cause can be complex, as other factors can also play a role.

As adults we must also set a good example - is our work-life balanced, between being on and off devices?

We should be aware that the quality of screen time also matters, as educational content has different effects to passive entertainment. What educational resources are your children and learners using on their devices? Have you checked the settings? Is it age appropriate?

The Power of Nature

To counter the potential negative impacts of screen time, consider and recognise the importance of connecting children with nature.

Outdoor activities offer a multitude of benefits for a child's holistic development. Spending time outdoors in nature has been proven to reduce stress and improve mental health.

It also improves focus and attention spans, boosts creativity and problem-solving skills, and promotes physical development and health.

Furthermore, direct experiences in nature foster a deeper connection with the environment, instilling a sense of appreciation and responsibility. Collaborative outdoor activities promote teamwork, communication, and social skills. Consider joining the Eco-Schools programme with WESSA ( https://www.wessa.org.za/eco-schools/ )

Practical Tips for Balance

Finding a healthy balance is key. Here are some practical tips:

Communicate: Have the discussion with your children and learners about the pros and cons, and why time should be limited, set a great example for them to follow. Create a balance of activities at school, and at home.
Set Limits: Establish clear and consistent limits on daily or weekly screen time, varying with age.
Be a Role Model: Children learn by watching you. Limit your own screen time and engage in other activities.
Tech-Free Zones: Designate screen-free times (mealtimes, an hour before bed) and places (bedrooms).
Prioritize Quality Content: Choose age-appropriate, educational, and interactive apps, games, and shows.
Co-view and Co-play: Engage with your child while they're using screens. Ask questions, discuss content.
Encourage Outdoor Play: Make time for outdoor activities, which benefit both physical and mental health.
20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
Blue Light Filters: Consider using blue light filters on screens or blue light blocking glasses.
Managed device: Consider managed devices with only age-appropriate content for school and at home. Time restrictions, etc. (Explore: MintKids https://mintkids.co.za/ and Google's family Link https://families.google/familylink/)

In the technology-driven world, finding a balance is crucial. While screens offer valuable opportunities, excessive use can pose risks to children's physical, mental, and social well-being. By prioritizing outdoor activities in nature and setting healthy screen time habits, we can empower children to thrive in both the digital and natural worlds.