Families For Life | Helping kids understand the downsides of excessive screen time

The internet has changed the way we interact with the world. While many of us grew up with plenty of screen-free moments, our children only know a world where screens are everywhere. This can make it difficult for our little ones to understand why too much TV, games, and time on their tablets isn’t always good for them!

Before you start the conversation about screen habits with your child, let’s take a closer look at why excessive screen time can be a bad thing. Understanding the risks can help you model better screen-use habits for your child, have more meaningful discussions together, and confidently answer any questions they might have.

Why is screen time bad?

Before your child asks you this question, it’s best to learn more about why excessive screen time can affect their development. Whether it’s the television or a tablet, too much screen use can encourage unhealthy habits and shape their lifestyle in a way that may not be beneficial. Here are some common devices and how excessive use affects your child.

Television

Passively watching TV in excess can promote a sedentary lifestyle. The fast-paced visuals common in TV programmes can also shorten attention spans and make it difficult for children to engage with slower, meaningful activities like reading.

Smart Phones

Excessive use can lead to phone addiction. Unsupervised exposure to social media may also negatively affect your child’s self-esteem and increase their risk of getting cyberbullied or engaging in inappropriate online interactions.

Tablets

Giving your child unlimited access to video entertainment can limit their creativity and imaginative play. While it can be tempting to use screens to soothe a tantrum, this can prevent your child from developing the healthy coping skills needed to manage complex emotions.

By understanding how excessive screen time impacts your little one, you’ll be better prepared to explain the importance of limits and guide them towards healthier screen habits.

Let’s familiarise ourselves with the guidelines

If you’re unsure how much screen time is appropriate for your child, the Ministry of Health’s latest recommendations are a good place to start.

In short, children under 18 months old should avoid passive screen time entirely. Children between 18 to 36 months should have no more than 1 hour of screen time each day. Meanwhile, children aged 7 to 12 years old should be limited to a maximum of 2 hours daily.

To help you keep track of and manage your child’s screen time, you can consider using the tools and tips on Screen Use Buddy. The website also contains useful information on the different types of screens use so you can make informed decisions for your child.

You can also explore different parental tools available that can help you limit your child’s screen use.

It’s time to talk about screen time

Now that you’re equipped with the information you need, you’re ready to talk to your child about screen time! It’s important to bring up the subject early. Don’t wait until their screen use becomes a problem. Here are some important tips to help you bring up the conversation and engage your child in a natural way.

Stay calm and be curious

While it’s a natural reaction for a concerned parent to nag or scold, starting a conversation like this might make them defensive and they will be less likely to hear you out. Show interest in the digital world and let them know that you want to understand, not control.

Stay firm and set clear expectations

Setting clear, written agreements can help your child stick to the rules. For example, you can suggest no screens during meals or an hour before bed. Stay consistent and follow through! You could rope in the family to join the rules and create a new family nighttime routine before bed to turn this negative into a positive!

Offer alternate activities

Instead of just banning screen time, why not suggest alternative activities? Ask your child how else they’d like to spend that time. Perhaps a trip to the playground or a book reading session could excite your child.

As parents, it’s up to us to guide our little ones through the digital age. By understanding the adverse effects of screen time and helping our children understand them, you can provide them with a better environment to grow and develop!

Resources:

https://familiesforlife.sg/pages/Start-the-Conversation-Digital-Wellness

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/how-excessive-smartphone-and-tablet-use-can-hurt-child-development?ref=more-on-this-topic

https://www.healthhub.sg/well-being-and-lifestyle/pregnancy-and-infant-health/screen-time-infants-baby-toddlers