Striking the Right Balance: Promoting Healthy Screen Time Habits in Children.

“Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master." - Christian Lous Lange

It's undeniable that screens have become an integral part of our lives. From smartphones and tablets to computers and televisions, screens are everywhere, and they play a significant role in the daily activities of children. From online classes to social networking and entertainment, screens offer a plethora of opportunities for learning and leisure.

Managing screen time is a concern for many parents, especially when the lines between educational and recreational screen time gets blurred.

Therefore, finding a balance between screen time and other recreational and enrichment activities is crucial for promoting healthy development in children. As parents and guardians, it is imperative to foster healthy screen time habits at home to ensure a balanced lifestyle that prioritizes academic success, social interaction, and physical activity especially for our children.

Understanding the Importance of Balance

In today's digital age, screens are everywhere, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Parents and caregivers frequently struggle with determining the suitable amount of screen time for their children. Finding the correct equilibrium is crucial because while technology facilitates learning and connectivity, excessive screen time can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, poor sleep quality, and diminished academic performance. Therefore, striking a balance between screen time and other activities is crucial for a child's overall development.

Risks associated to unregulated screen time

Not regulating screen time for children can lead to a range of negative consequences, impacting various aspects of their development and daily life. Understanding these disadvantages highlights the importance of setting balanced screen time guidelines. Here are some of the key drawbacks:

Excessive, unregulated screen time is closely linked to a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to poor physical health, obesity, poor posture, eye strain, and even sleep disturbances. Children who spend long hours in front of screens are less likely to engage in necessary physical activity, which is essential for healthy growth and development.

When screen time is not regulated, children may spend more time on entertainment or social media, detracting from homework and study time. This can lead to poorer academic performance due to reduced focus on learning and insufficient practice of academic skills.

Unregulated screen time can impede the development of social skills in children. Virtual interactions cannot fully replicate the nuances of face-to-face communication, such as body language, tone of voice, and direct eye contact. Children need real-life interactions to develop empathy, conflict resolution skills, and an understanding of social cues.

Attention and concentration issues can result due to constant exposure to the fast-paced, highly stimulating content found on screen. This can impact their ability to concentrate in school and when engaging in activities that require sustained attention. Disrupted Screen time, especially before bed, can interfere with the child’s sleep patterns which affects the child’s attention.

 Exposure to inappropriate content is a major risk without regulated screen time, as children may stumble upon content that is not age-appropriate, including violence, sexual content, and misleading information. This can have a profound impact on their understanding of the world, affect their psychological well-being, and skew their perceptions of reality.

There’s growing evidence linking excessive screen time with mental health issues in children, such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Social media, in particular, can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and social isolation, especially if children spend more time interacting online than in real-life social situations.

Here are some tips for parents to help strike the right screen time balance for their children.

Establishing clear guidelines regarding screen time is the first step in promoting healthy habits. Engage your child in a discussion about the importance of balance and set limits on daily screen usage. Create a schedule that allocates time for academic activities, social interaction, outdoor play, and screen time. Encourage your child to prioritize tasks such as homework and chores before indulging in screen-based entertainment.

While screens offer access to a wealth of educational resources, it is essential encourage them to explore educational apps, websites, and digital libraries that supplement their academic curriculum. Set aside designated time for online research, interactive learning games, and virtual tutoring sessions to enhance their academic skills.

Here are some age-appropriate educational apps and games you can introduce your children to:

1.  Akili and Me- this is an educational app designed for preschoolers, featuring interactive games and activities that promote early learning in numeracy, literacy, and socio-emotional skills. Based on the popular Kenyan TV show "Ubongo Kids," it offers engaging content in English and Swahili and is available on iOS and Android devices.

2.  Khan academy kids- is an app that offers a variety of interactive activities, games, and books covering early literacy, math, and social-emotional learning.

3. PBS kid’s games- offers a collection of games featuring popular characters from their shows, covering various subjects such as literacy, math, science, and creativity.

4. Prodigy is a math game that adapts to each child's skill level, offering engaging math challenges aligned with curriculum standards.

5. Duolingo is a language-learning app that offers courses in multiple languages. It uses game-like lessons to teach vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, making it suitable for children who are interested in learning a new language.

Despite the convenience of digital communication, nothing can replace face-to-face interaction. Encourage your child to have social interactions and engage in offline social activities such as sports, hobbies, and community events. Plan family outings, game nights, and gatherings with friends to foster meaningful connections outside the digital realm. Emphasize the importance of empathy, communication, and interpersonal skills in building strong relationships.

Designate certain areas in your home as screen-free zones to promote family bonding and relaxation. Establish rules that prohibit screens during meal times, bedtime, and family discussions. Instead create alternative activities such as reading, board games, art projects, and outdoor adventures to encourage creativity and physical activity. For instance, engaging in art projects can be a therapeutic activity, offering a platform for self-expression and fostering fine motor skills along with creativity.

Lead by example by limiting your own screen time and prioritizing quality time with your family. Model healthy screen by reviewing your own media habits, and plan time for alternative hobbies, outdoor play, and activities. Additionally, encourage open communication and educate your child about internet safety, cyberbullying, and responsible online behavior. Teach them to critically evaluate online information and seek help if they encounter any issues or concerns.

Monitor your child's online activities and screen content to ensure age-appropriate and safe browsing. Install parental control software and set filters to block inappropriate websites and monitor screen time usage. In addition monitor any signs of problematic screen use, including the following: child complaining about being bored or unhappy without access to technology, screen use that interferes with sleep, school, face-to-face interactions, social activity, or negative emotions following online interactions such as video games or while texting.

Promoting healthy screen time habits at home requires a collaborative effort between parents, guardians, and children. By setting clear guidelines, encouraging academic engagement, promoting social interaction, and embracing screen-free zones, families can foster a balanced lifestyle that prioritizes academic success, social well-being, and overall health.