How do we keep the connection between children and devices safe?

 

No matter how things were in our time, children today are practically born with digital devices in their hands. They are born into a digital world. This digital world can significantly help children to learn many things and access new knowledge easily.

However, we cannot forget that every good thing also has a bad side. That's exactly why today, we thought of raising awareness among parents about the potential harmful effects of the relationship between children and devices.

In today's world, our children are growing up in an environment heavily influenced by digital media. In many aspects of their daily lives, they are highly attracted to smartphones, television programs, video games, and digital applications. The use of such technological devices can often negatively impact the physical and mental development of young children. Therefore, not only should children be trained to maintain healthy device habits, but parents too need to develop healthy practices.

Why is this topic so important?

Excessive screen time can cause various health issues in children:

Prolonged screen time can greatly affect children’s health. Problems such as sleep disturbances, constipation, loss of appetite, and obesity are becoming common. These health issues can have a serious impact on a child’s life path.

It affects children’s cognitive, linguistic, and social-emotional development:

Excessive use of digital devices isolates children from social activities. Unnecessary use of the internet and electronic gadgets hinders their creative thinking, language skills, and social behavior. These developmental shortcomings can negatively impact the skills children need in life.

Today, digital devices are one of the first things a child comes into contact with after birth:

Nowadays, digital devices are almost like the first tools introduced to children. Some children receive a tablet or computer even before a traditional alphabet book. In most cases, parents themselves are actively raising their children in such tech-centric environments.

In 1970, children first interacted with media around the age of four—today, it’s down to just four months:

Back in 1970, children were typically exposed to media by the age of four. But today, that age has dropped to as young as four months. With rapid technological advancement, children have become an integral part of the digital world.

Although electronic devices can help children learn, overuse has led them to face a range of issues:

Despite their educational benefits, unnecessary use of electronic devices has exposed children to various problems. Over-reliance on technology can result in setbacks even at the early stages of a child’s educational and mental development.

We now see weaknesses like obesity, sleep difficulties, behavioral issues, and poor academic performance:

Spending excessive time with electronic devices is linked to growing rates of obesity, sleep problems, behavioral challenges, and underperformance in school. Heavy tech usage can push children toward even more complex issues.

So, what can parents do to prevent unnecessary device use?

Use electronic monitoring tools to control screen time:

Devices like timers, parental control software, or apps can help manage children’s screen time effectively, ensuring it aligns with healthy routines and academic development.

Set lock timers on devices:

Setting lock timers on TVs, computers, DVDs, and gaming devices is another way to control screen usage.

Introduce TV Off Challenges:

Using fun methods like TV off challenges, where kids are allowed screen time only during specific periods, encourages them to shift towards physical activities.

Encourage screen time tied to physical or educational tasks:

Use newspapers, workbooks, or posters to promote screen time connected to learning or physical activity. This helps guide children toward mentally and physically stimulating practices.

Distribute guide kits in maternity wards:

Guide kits given in maternity wards can include information on managing screen time and the harmful effects of overuse. These help new parents understand the necessary steps and benefits of limiting screen time.

Train health visitors to educate new parents:

Health professionals like midwives can play a role in informing parents about the importance of managing screen time and how to steer children away from harmful digital exposure.

Educate children about screen time in schools:

Including lessons in school curricula about the dangers of excessive screen use helps children understand the importance of balance and the long-term benefits of minimizing screen exposure.

Finally, if parents themselves are overly attached to devices, their children are even more likely to follow suit. Therefore, parents must also act as role models by demonstrating a balanced, healthy relationship with digital devices and screen time.