Nowadays, it is common to distract children with screens , such as cell phones, tablets, television... whether at mealtimes, in the supermarket or during car journeys.
But after all, “ what implications could this behavior have on their development? What tips do experts give? ”
Although it is still a subject under study, it is known that excessive use of screens is associated with the LACK OF DEVELOPMENT of “physical and cognitive abilities and that it contributes to obesity, sleep problems, depression and anxiety in pediatric age. (…) The results point to a possible association between time spent in front of the screen and the increase in behavioral problems and language disorders .”
The existence of applications and websites marked as educational “end up making parents comfortable with exposure to screens.” It is true that “some are a good tool for learning knowledge, such as television programs that help children learn numbers and letters” and that “use strategies known in language development: naming objects, having characters that speak directly to children and giving the child the opportunity to respond.”
However, “most of the positive effects on child development advocated by creators are not always scientifically proven.”
Despite the benefits, screen time means less time to play, study, talk or sleep and less time to talk and play with friends.
Therefore, the “ American Pediatric Association released recommendations for the correct use of screens”:
1 – Screen time should not be a time when children are alone. Adults should accompany them while they watch content, helping the child to interpret what they see.
2 – “Screen time should be zero until 18 months! Educational content can be introduced between 18 and 24 months.”
3 – “Between the ages of 2 and 5, screen time should be limited to one hour per day.”
4 – When they are of school age, “time limits and the type of programs allowed should be established, so that there is a balance between screen time and other activities.”
5 – “It’s normal for teenagers to use social media. It often provides emotional support and is where they discover more about their place in the world. However, it’s important to know whether your teenager’s behavior is appropriate (online and in the real world) and to remind them that privacy settings don’t make content truly private and what they share becomes part of their digital footprint.”
6 – “It is very important to make sure that screens do not take away from sleep, physical activity or other behaviors essential to a healthy lifestyle.”
7 – “Screen-free times should be defined as a family and shared by all family members. It is important to be a role model and set an example!”
8 – “Screen-free activities, with face-to-face interactions, family time, exercise and outdoor play should be predominant in a child’s life. This free play time promotes creativity and psychomotor development.”
10 – “Using technology as a toy to keep them quiet is not correct. Children must develop self-regulation mechanisms and learn to deal with frustration. Try to talk about ways to solve the problem, invent alternatives to avoid the annoyance, calm them down and discover other strategies to channel their emotions.”
Source : Portuguese Society of Pediatrics in Child and Family
