Schools have broken up for summer, which means parents have one job: to keep their children entertained for six-long-weeks. It’s no easy feat, especially as children get bored so easily and many family-orientated activities cost an arm and a leg.
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An easy option parents and children tend to opt for are electronics. During the summer break, children have more time to use tablets, TVs, phones and laptops whenever they wish. However, we should aim to limit how long our children are spending on these devices. Especially those connected to the internet. Electronics should be a ‘treat’, as opposed to being able to use them at all time. Considering the summer break will be over in just under a month, it is important to spend as much quality time with your children as possible.
Although, getting children away from their electronics is never easy. Whether it’s toddlers throwing tantrums, primary-aged children wanting to watch YouTube videos all day long and demanding phones, and secondary school students who are glued to scrolling through Instagram and Snapchat…
How much is too much for Children?
Devices, such as smartphones, tablets and TVs have many advantages for the children of today. It is shown to make them more informed about the world, stay in touch with friends and family. And playing games that can help to improve their motor skills.
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According to an article in the Telegraph, using social media can help shy children to communicate with others – not forgetting the fact it has opened up a world of exciting information, which can aid research and school work. Ultimately, when it’s used positively, it’s a great tool. However, it is important to keep on top of what your children are doing on electronics. Even though they are meant to encourage youngsters to socialise, too much time spent in a room staring at a screen can do just the opposite and harm their social development.
Other problems can include disrupted sleep, not enough exercise and the danger of neglecting school work. According to a study by the NHS back in 2015, children who watched TV for more than two hours a day had higher blood pressure, which is linked to health problems like cardiovascular disease later in life. So, if your child is using their phone too much, threaten them by saying you will sell Samsung s6 for cash – it is guaranteed to make them think twice! No youngster wants to completely lose access to their beloved electronic devices.
What’s Recommended?
Here in the UK, there are no official guidelines on how much screen time is healthy for children. Experts advise parents to share screen time with their kids. This way you can see what they are being exposed to and help them whenever they are in need. It also means you are spending more quality time together, which can only be a good thing!
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Although, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children shouldn’t be exposed to media before they’re 18 months old – and only then under strict supervision from an adult. Instead, they should be playing with toys and occasionally watching programmes for their age group. Those aged two to five shouldn’t have more than an hour of screen use a day. School-aged children and older should balance media use with healthy behaviour.
What do you think about electronic use among youngsters today?
