Nowadays, children and their smartphones are inseparable. This has inspired much debate and plenty of research, with the key concern being that too much screen time can be harmful for youngsters. There is no denying that long periods of sedentary behaviour for anyone, adult or child, can have a negative effect on both physical and mental health, but parents and educational professionals also worry that it is perhaps also damaging a child’s ability to learn. I have teamed up with a prep school in the Cotswolds to explore further.
Find a balance
It’s difficult for parents to determine what actually constitutes a healthy amount of screen time, especially as there are many beneficial aspects to technology. It is important to consider whether or not your child is still getting enough exercise and face-to-face social interactions. If so, then you probably don’t have much to worry about. On the other hand, if they seem to have become a bit of a recluse, it might be time to step in and establish some rules to ensure they are engaging in other, normal activities as well.
Set a reasonable allowance for screen time
Exercise, sleep and fun with friends are all crucial when it comes to a child’s development, both in and out of school. If your child has become obsessed with their smartphone or other digital devices, their grades might begin to suffer. Think about the phrase “everything in moderation” there is no need to completely ban your child from their tech but ensuring it has not become an addiction is important.
Do what feels right for you as a family
Every family is different, and you know your child better than anyone, so only you can decide if their screen time has become dangerous, especially as the research is still so inconclusive. You could enforce the rule that phones cannot be used after 7pm, or they can only have a maximum of a certain number of hours on their digital devices per day. Trust your instincts and don’t feel as though you have to establish the same rules as some of the other parents you know.
*This is a collaborative post.
