Kids today are constantly exposed to screens and many of them suffer screen addiction. Technology has fundamentally changed many facets of life today and continues to demand more and more of our attention. In this distracted world, let’s try to make sure that technology is assisting us and not just keeping us engaged for its own selfish reasons.
As per a study in 2016, 47% parents claimed that their kids were addicted to screens. 32% of parents said that they themselves were addicted to screens. Over the past 50 years, with the rise of screen usage, myopia rates have soared by 100% amongst the children.
What are the signs of screen addiction?
Loss of Control
When your child can’t follow the limits imposed, or is thinking about games and Youtube all the time.
No interest in other activities
Kids don’t enjoy activities like outdoor play, reading books or playing with toys.
Withdrawal symptoms
When you take away their electronic device, they throw tantrums, they don’t eat or sleep without mobiles
How can Technology harm children
Health
Over-reliance on technology can lead to damage to eyesight, impeded development of gross motor skills and stunted emotional development. It can also cause headaches, neck/shoulder pain, eye strain, dry or irritated eyes.
Attention spans
There has been a sharp decline in the attention span of toddlers with the rise of screen-use amongst kids.
Damage to sleep-cycle
Screens emit blue light, which can disturb the circadian rhythm of the body, making it more difficult for kids to fall asleep.
Exposure to inappropriate content
When kids watch a lot of violence, they believe that its normal, which could lead to dangerous attitudes.
Limiting of learning opportunities
When kids are spending time in front of a screen, they are not running around, or talking.
“If technology is so bad, should we just stop using it completely?”
Why technology is essential
Stopping the use of technology is not even a question which can realistically be raised anymore, because technology does have a crucial role to play in our and our children’s lives.
Job readiness
Technology based jobs are already in high demand and the trend will continue in the future as well.
Access to knowledge
Technology provides access to resources which couldn’t have been imagined earlier.
Perseverance and problem solving
Technology helps children explore different scenarios which are difficult to recreate in real life, and can help them become more effective problem solvers.
How to tackle the issue
Spend quality time with them
There’s no alternate to a parent’s touch, or mother’s voice. These have a calming effect on children like nothing else.
Technology-free zones
Designate certain areas of the house as technology-free where no-one uses any screens- TVs, mobiles, tablets. It is recommended that the dinner table and bed-room be designated as technology free zones.
Make rules (and enforce them)
Instead of saying – no mobiles, a better alternate is to have a fixed timer for mobile use. – See apps like Thrive
Use the 20-20-20 rule
Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen for 20 seconds and focus on something at least 20 feet away.
Restrict usage of certain apps
Youtube kids is better than Youtube. Similarly, unrestricted use of social media can lead them to unsafe pictures.
Prepare for bed
Don’t let kids use screens upto an hour before bed. Read them stories. Also, use apps that can filter blue light, like- Blue Light Filter
Some recommended apps
While restricting certain activities, we need to provide alternatives to keep the children engaged and get them learning. Here are a few of our recommendations:
Khan Academy Kids
Has rhymes, alphabets, colours, pictures, stories etc. Highly recommended.
Youtube Kids
Has the largest collection of videos on loads of educational stuff.
Caution: Youtube kids can still lead to unsafe videos and Youtube kids encourages kids to consume more.
Podcasts
There are many good podcasts which feature kids stories. Since podcasts engage only ears and not eyes, they
can be used closer to bedtime.
