As screen time has grown to play a more central role in our lives, it is apparent that it is having adverse effects on youngsters. Activities such as reading books, playing outside and even simple conversations have been replaced by the instant gratification and often mindless use of digital devices. Focus, attention spans, academic performance and social skills are decreasing at an unprecedented rate.
The good news is that there is something we can do about it. According to research, reducing screen time can have several positive effects on children. It improves children's focus and concentration. Creativity increases with free play and imaginative activities. Sleep improves with reduced blue light as well as earlier bedtimes. Unregulated screen time often leads to children staying up too late and being exhausted the following day. Quality social interactions are increased when children aren’t isolated and preoccupied with the consumption of one way media. Finally, physical health improves with movement and exercise.
Here is a quick list of alternatives to screen time: reading books independently or at bedtime, playing board games, doing arts and craft, engaging in outdoor activities, playing sports, cooking, listening to music or podcasts, building things, playing with toys, doing puzzles, spending time with family and friends, learning a new skill and participating in creative hobbies like writing and drawing.
Though it can be convenient to let technology play a role in raising our children and in many ways inevitable, we need to do a better job of directly engaging with our children. Successful parenting takes active engagement and being present to the fullest extent possible. It may take a bit more work , but in the end it is much more beneficial and way more fun for everyone when we develop healthier habits.