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I had to do a research on current trends among today’s children as part of the psychology course that I am pursuing. While I kept pondering about what topic to choose, I had a look inside my own house to spot some noticeable trends. I also tried replaying those regular trips in public transport, visits to the restaurants, public places, friends’ homes, relatives’ homes and so on. The only common trend I could think of was exposure to screens – various kinds of them. And there, I had my topic – screen time and its impact on children and youth.
The more I researched, I realized that this was much larger than what often gets spoken about in parent circles. I came across multiple research on children which explained very clearly about the impacts of screen time on them. I wondered how I knew so little about this until now. Is the awareness on such topics really low? Are such researches not getting published in the first pages? I suppose they should be. This is about entire generations, about the future of our world. We have to get things under control before it is too late.
More on Screen Time, its Impact and Recommendations:
Research and Trends for Screen Time
Screen usage trends of children in the last five years will just keep you staring at the statistics. As per Statista, in Singapore alone, more than 80% children younger than 15 years of age have been using smartphones since 2017. If that does not get you thinking enough, let me tell you about the impact of such exposure.
In 2019 KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), and National University of Singapore did a study on preschool children with neurodevelopment disorder. Exposure to screen devices before 18 months of age was found to affect sleep quality. Besides, it could lead to emotional and behavioral disturbances. As per the researchers, these findings are equally applicable for developing children in general population as well. Moreover, it was in line with many other similar studies.
Research Findings
They found that more than half of these kids were exposed to screen devices even before they were 18 months old. This was, in fact, one of the major findings. In some cases they had screen devices in their sleeping areas/ common rooms. Majority of these kids were exposed to screens for more than an hour per day. A good number of them had parent-reported sleep quality issues, emotional and behavioral difficulties. Further, these findings in children had a strong correlation with screen usage of parents. It also had correlation with lack of appropriate house rules for screen time.
As a parent I know how many times I have given in to my child’s pleas of extended screen time. I have let her watch songs while in bed, while travelling, while eating, etc. All of that replayed in my head as I delved into my research. I really wished I had known better earlier. I wish this post of mine will help at least a few to-be or existing parents.
Impact on Children
Obesity is the first, most discussed and researched impact of screen time (especially television). Extended screen time and exposure to advertisements of high calorie foods are major causes. Another major reason is mindless snacking while watching screens. Also, media usage in bedrooms and watching screens around bedtime impacts sleep quality and thereof, performance.
Children can also get exposed to several cyber risks like cyber-bullying, online sexual behaviors, video game obsession, sexting, etc. Early exposure to internet can initiate adolescents to alcohol, tobacco, sexual abuse, etc. The list is actually quite long and I have mentioned only a few here.
Having said that, screens and internet have benefits too, when used judiciously. This is only applicable for children above 18 months of age though. Screen time is in no way beneficial for children under 18 months of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that they can take part in video chats at the most.
Exposure to high quality content along with parents’ guidance/ explanations can give preschoolers new ideas/ information.
Screen and internet exposure of the right kind can give school age and adolescent children (6 to 18 years) exposure to current issues. Students can benefit by using collaborative platforms for doing school work, projects, assignments, etc.
Social media can help families connect over distances. Some students who are differently abled, introverted or have diverse gender identities may be able to find social media more inclusive and supportive. It can be a place for social connections if used moderately and judiciously.
Suggestions for Parents and Caregivers
I came across a lot of recommendations and suggestions for parents at the American Academy of Pediatrics. Sharing some of them here. New parents should ensure that their babies are not exposed to any kind of screen until they are 18 months old (excepting video chats). They should also educate their families and supporting caregivers about this.
It is important to limit screen time of preschoolers to one hour per day. Further, parents should ensure that they are being exposed to high quality content that will aid in their learning. Also, sit along with them to explain what they are watching.
Adolescents and school aged children are busy exploring their personality, sexuality and identity. The anonymity offered by internet and social media can be especially luring and they might enjoy experimenting with different identities. The feedback from social media will further guide them. This maybe for good or bad, depending on how they value and apply the feedback. Also, most of the content posted on social media is highly filtered and selective. These can lead to faulty expectations, comparisons and make the children feel confused. Hence it is very important for parents to engage some trustworthy adult to guide them through social media or be their guide.
A Few Easy Hacks for Parents
Keep sleeping areas/ bedrooms free of screens as far as possible. Ensure that co-sleeping families keep screens away in bed or during bedtime. The blue light emitted from screens can impact melatonin production in the body and affect sleep quality.
Parents can use active and restrictive mediation to moderate screen time and internet usage of children. Active mediation is when parents explain to their children about pros and cons of screen time. Restrictive is when parents can create house rules to check/ control screen usage. A healthy combination of both these strategies can be used to manage children between 6 to 18 years of age, depending on their nature and personality.
Have media free zones and times for everyone in the house. Read, play, draw or do some other activity with your children. Ensure that your children engage in at least an hour of physical activity every day. Get them to sleep for at least 8 to 12 hours (depending on the sleep requirements for their age). Read our article on why outdoor time is also important for proper eye development.
What I have shared here is only a teaser of the several recommendations for various age groups. Please refer to the policy statements by the American Academy of Pediatrics for young minds, and that for school aged children and adolescents for more recommendations and comprehensive details on many aspects of this topic.
References
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS (2016). Media and Young Minds. Policy Statement. Retrieved from https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/138/5/e20162591/60503/Media-and-Young-Minds
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS (2016). Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents. Policy Statement. Retrieved from https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/138/5/e20162592/60321/Media-Use-in-School-Aged-Children-and-Adolescents
KH Women’s and Children’s Hospital (2019). KKH study finds links between early screen exposure, sleep disruption and emotional, behavioral difficulties in children. Retrieved from https://www.kkh.com.sg/news/research/kkh-study-finds-links-between-early-screen-exposure-sleep-disruption-and-emotional-behavioural-difficulties-in-children
Statista. (2021). Smartphone usage among residents in Singapore from 2016 to 2020, by age group. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1266889/singapore-smartphone-usage-by-age-group/