The popularity of smartphones, tablets and electronic devices is causing children to spend more time in front of screens every day. This raises concerns about the impact of electronic devices on children's health, sleep, concentration and development.
According to experts, excessive screen use can affect physical activity, social communication ability and children's living habits. Many children today tend to spend more time on phones or tablets than outdoor activities and direct communication.
A study published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care shows that the average daily use time of electronic devices in children ranges from about 2-2.5 hours. In which, preschool children tend to spend more time in front of the screen than school-age children.
According to statistics from the American Academy of Psychiatry for Children and Adolescents (AACAP), children aged 8-12 can spend 4-6 hours a day on electronic devices, while teenagers can spend up to 9 hours.
AACAP recommends that children under 18 months old should only use the screen for video calls with relatives. For children from 2-5 years old, screen use time outside of educational purposes should be limited to about an hour a day a week.
Dr. Himani Narula - a developmental and behavioral pediatrician in Gurgaon (India) - said that parents should reduce the time spent using electronic devices in children gently and step by step to avoid putting pressure on children.
The first important thing is that parents need to set an example in using phones and electronic devices. When adults constantly hold their phones or watch TV, children also easily form similar habits. In addition, parents should talk to children about the reasons for limiting screen usage time instead of just prohibiting it. Clearly explaining and letting children participate in the process of building rules can help children cooperate better.
Experts also recommend setting up areas that do not use electronic devices in the house such as dining tables or bedrooms. This helps children form healthy living habits and limit dependence on screens.
In addition to limiting the time spent using electronic devices, parents should create alternative activities such as reading books, playing sports, making handicrafts or participating in family games. These activities not only help children reduce screen time but also support the development of communication and motor skills.
Dr. Narula believes that building a specific electronic device usage schedule and maintaining it regularly every day is also very important. In necessary cases, parents can use parental control to restrict access to inappropriate applications or content.
According to experts, the goal is not to completely eliminate electronic devices but to help children use technology in a balanced and age-appropriate way.
