Our society is becoming more reliant on technology, parents must control the magnitude of time children and young people spend using screens. 

New studies have shown that 

1. 30% of children who used the internet for over 3 hours a day were diagnosed with depression. 
2. More screen time suppresses young children’s quality to read faces and learn social skills, two key factors needed to develop empathy. 
3. Children with more than one hour of daily screen time were more likely to be defenseless in all five developmental health stages: physical health and wellbeing, confidence, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive development, and communication skills compared to children reporting up to one hour of screen time per day.   
4. It is essential that children’s time spent using technology is controlled, and parents must teach rules to their kids. 

As to WHO 

According to WHO, mental health is characterized as a condition of well-being wherein an individual can recognize their potential, manage everyday stressors, work efficiently, and contribute to their community. Since many mental problems that begin early in life are likely to remain in maturity, mental health is vital during childhood and adolescence.
Several papers have provided an overview of the scientific data about the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on children’s mental health to date. The study focuses on various risk factors associated with mental health issues, such as gender advanced age, lower socioeconomic status, use of maladaptive coping mechanisms, low to medium levels of social support, challenges in distance and remote learning environments, and behavioral risk factors like problematic social media use.

The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) published a set of guidelines for children aged 5 – 17 and said that children in this age range should limit their screen time to a maximum of 2 hours per day.

They also said that for a healthy lifestyle, children should make sure they’re getting plenty of physical exercise (one hour per day) and consistent, healthy sleep (8 hours a night). A study in the UK has said that less than 10% of young people are meeting these guidelines, mainly due to their screen time.

Choose high-quality screen experiences as much as possible

Screen time is not all the same. People of all ages are more likely to feel anxious when they use social media, but watching an online exercise class is good for the brain and body. Make a plan with your child for screen-based activities that will keep them interested while you work. These activities should also be educational. At this point, there are an infinite number of materials. While excessive use of screens without enough physical activity can be harmful, screen time alone isn’t necessarily always a problem. Some feel that parents should focus on making sure their children are using screens safely and productively, rather than putting strict limits on any amount of time without considering other factors.

One way to help make sure your kids are safe and productive online is by previewing apps, games, and other content your child might be using. Make sure it’s appropriate and safe before letting your kids loose exploring content.

As an example:

• Many websites have virtual offerings for kids.
• Many YouTube channels have webcams of baby animals (as do many zoos and aquariums.)
• Kids’ Yoga and other exercise classes are readily available online.
• There are many online writing workshops for kids ages 7 to 18.
• Many teachers teach kids drawing online.
• Many websites have a terrific list of online resources and ideas that were compiled during the pandemic; many are still available for kids now.

How much screen time is considered appropriate for children? 

It is important to follow expert guidelines when setting screen time limits for your child.  

Under 2 years old: Children under 2 should have zero screen time, except for limited video phone calls with family or friends. This is the perfect opportunity to foster interests and hobbies with your child without technology. 

2-5 years old: No more than one hour per day accompanied by a parent, carer or sibling. 

5-17 years old: No more than two hours per day. This doesn’t include homework.  

The Role of Parents and Caregivers in Monitoring Children’s Technology Usage

Be a good role model! Limit your screen time when your children are present. Be aware of using your phone/computer/tablet when your child is speaking to you. Put your phone away and make eye contact. This reaffirms that they are more important than anything that is going on the screen. Get outside and play, read a book, or take a hike. Show your child that there is life outside the screens!

Delay introducing screens.It is important to realize that you can’t prevent children from using screens, but you can delay it by not giving screens to very young children. Keep screens out of the picture for as long as you can, even if only because it’s easier not to introduce screens than to take them away once a child knows what they are

Setting healthy boundaries for screen time 

As a parent or guardian, it is important to set healthy boundaries with technology. We encourage you to establish these boundaries as early as possible in your child’s life to get them accustomed to the healthy boundaries. However, it’s never too late! 

1. Focus on the content more than duration. Parents should notice what children are doing on devices, the content they encounter, and their online support networks, rather than limiting their access rigidly. Emphasize using digital tools for building connection and creativity.
2. Schedule dedicated playtime with children. Children crave attention, and playtime promotes their cognitive, language and social skills. It is also beneficial for the well-being of the parents. Show your child how to use technology responsibly. Read a story online together and then discuss it.
3. Proper media usage:  Show your children how to use affirming applications and learn how to spot the apps that are not so positive. 
4. no-screen time: Having an established screen free time is important. Set the rule that dinner is screen free. No television, no phones at the table, no responding to texts or calls. Stick to these rules! Consistency is important! Have at least one device-free family meal per day. Such conversations can help develop your child’s social-emotional health and alleviate stress for the whole family.
5. No screen time before bed. Setting screens aside for two hours before bedtime makes it easier to fall asleep and wake up on time.
6. Intermittent social media fasting. Avoid social media during work or study hours. With increased focus, one can finish tasks on time and do other things.
7. Provide access to books, art supplies, and outdoor spaces
8. Be present and actively engage in quality family interactions. 
9. Keep a record of how much time is spent in front of a screen. Try to spend the same amount of time being active. If it is hard not having the TV on, try using a sleep function so it turns off automatically.

9. Do not leave the TV on for background noise. Turn on the radio instead, or have no background noise.

10. Suggest other activities, such as family board games, puzzles, or going for a walk.

Children model the behavior of their parents or adults in their lives. It is also important for adults to limit their screen time, especially in front of children and teens. Show them how to have fun without technology! 

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