Parents play a crucial role in managing their children’s screen time, preventing detrimental effects of excessive screen time impacting youth development.
Research has highlighted the importance of setting home screen limits to promote a healthy environment for children.Preventive education on excessive Screen Time (ST) is crucial in the early childhood stage. It has been previously reported that children who did not have rules to
restrict ST at home were more likely to be associated with
prolonged ST and pathological Internet use and gaming disorder. These findings were in line with other reports
demonstrating the importance of family rules as an individual component as well as preventative education and community support. The following is an overview of the findings from the research articles provided
– Association between Excessive Screen Time and School-Level Proportion of No Family Rules: This new study March 2024 emphasizes that beyond individual factors, a high level of no or unclear family screen time rules (and measures to enforce these rules) greatly determines excessive screen time in children. Establishing family rules and addressing individual factors are key strategies to combat excessive screen time[1].
– Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Child Development: Children’s heavy reliance on screen media raises significant public health concerns. It is essential for parents to be aware of the impact of excessive screen time on child development and take measures to greatly limit screen use or abstain depending on age, not just talk about it with teens [2]. This is due to the lack of impulse control as well as rapidly evolving addictive design.
– Screen Time and Developmental Health– Prolonged screen time in childhood has been associated with negative developmental health outcomes, including but not limited to obesity, behavior problems, mental health issues, and lower academic achievement. Limiting screen-based activities for young children & teens is crucial for their healthy development[3].
– Associations between Parental and Child Screen Time: This study highlights the relationship between parental and child screen time and the quality of the home environment. High screen use reduces the variety of a home environment and reduces parent-child bonding opportunities, impacting a child’s cognitive development. This leads to mental and physical health concerns for both parent and child. Maintaining an enriched home environment while limiting screen time to occasional, not daily use is essential for children & teens well-being[4].
–Screen Time and Young Children: Promoting Health and Development: Excessive screen media exposure is strongly associated with low levels of stimulation in the home. Parents need to be mindful of the impact of screen time on their children’s development and ensure a balanced approach to technology use[5].
In conclusion, parents should be vigilant about setting clear family rules regarding screen time from an early age continuing during the teenage years when impulsivity is at it’s highest, limiting exposure to screens, and providing a stimulating home environment that encourages other activities besides screen use. By understanding the risks associated with excessive screen time and taking proactive steps to manage it and reset old habits with a screen detox intervention, parents can support their children’s healthy development and well-being.
Citations:
[1] https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ehpm/29/0/29_23-00268/_pdf
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10353947/
[3] https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-022-12701-3
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7503915/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5823000/