28 Nov You are Delaying Your Child’s Development With this Activity

The rise of modern technology has affected almost everybody, including children. Gadgets like smartphones and tablets have increasingly become a part of a child’s life.   

Digital media consumption can benefit children too, especially if they are watching educational shows. Some digital tools can also enhance children’s creativity and improve their hand-eye coordination.  

However, do the benefits outweigh some of the disadvantages of early and excessive screen time among children?  

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A Child’s Development and Screen Time  

A 2023 study cited one of the effects of early exposure to screen time on children, showing that each hour of increase in TV exposure at two years of age has decreased class participation and decreased skill in math proficiency.  

Another study in 2023 also concluded that increased screen time among adolescents has an adverse effect on their studies.  

The study concluded that those who spend 3 hours per day in front of a computer screen may negatively affect their academic performance.  

In addition, the average grades achieved by students decrease as their screen time increases.  

Aside from academic performance, children who have prolonged screen exposure also have negative effects when it comes to their physical health.  

A 2023 study noted that researchers observed an increased obesity risk among children with the highest screen time. The findings were not linear, and television was the most associated with obesity.  

There is also a negative effect on children’s socio-emotional development with prolonged screen time.   

Children with prolonged screen time have vulnerabilities in five aspects of development such as physical health and well-being, social competence, language and cognitive development, and communication skills, according to a 2022 study.  

The research suggested that screen-based activities should be limited to young children.  

What Parents Can Do  

To reduce your child’s screen time, here are some things you can do:  

• Have active screen time: watch stretches or exercises for children that they can imitate and encourage movement.  

• Be intentional in choosing content: avoid flipping through channels and instead choose something they can learn from or help their developmental skills.  

• Watch with your child: By watching with your child, you can teach them what is right and wrong. It prevents them from imitating when they see something on the screen that might be harmful to them.  

Leading your children towards a healthier lifestyle means starting with them and teaching them how to build healthier habits. 

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