Screen time is defined as the time spent using a device with a screen. Some examples of these devices include smartphones, computers, video game consoles, televisions – you name it! Screens are all around us these days! As with everything in life, however, balance is key to maximizing the wonderful benefits of technology while countering the risks that could be associated with excessive screen time.
Potential Risks of Excessive Daily Screen Time
- Causing your child issues with sleeping at night
- Increasing risk for attention problems, anxiety, and depression
- Increasing risk for obesity, as more screen time can lead to less physical activity
How much daily screen time is recommended?
Below is a chart for daily screen time recommendations for children, teens, and young adults:
*Click image to enlarge
The many incredible benefits of devices with screens have made their mark on the lives of many, and there’s no denying that. As stated earlier though, balance is key. Reducing screen time for children is most definitely a challenge at first, but if done in an effective manner, can lead to the overcoming of many obstacles our children might be facing growing up in the world we live in.
Sources:
https://www.reidhealth.org/blog/how-much-screen-time-should-kids-get-during-the-pandemic
https://www.reidhealth.org/blog/screen-time-for-adults
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000355.htm#:~:text=Too%20much%20screen%20time%20can,gaining%20too%20much%20weight%20(obesity)