Screen time is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue in today’s society. Despite growing awareness of the dangers, more children are becoming addicted to their screens, resulting in decreased productivity in other aspects of their lives. Screens can interfere with cognitive and emotional development, producing a long-lasting negative impact.
Fortunately, there are steps parents can take to reduce screen time in children and foster a positive environment for their development. Outdoor children’s play equipment can provide a healthier outlet, allowing children to forget about their screens.
What are the Dangers of Screen Time?
If your children are glued to their screens, here’s what’s at risk.
Reduced Cognitive Development
Although media devices have the potential to support development, they have been shown to impede executive functioning and sensorimotor development and reduce academic outcomes. Studies have found that early screen exposure is associated with decreased class participation, reduced math proficiency, and lower overall educational achievements.
Decreased Language Development
Children develop their language skills in their early years, typically through interactions with adults. Research suggests that screen time reduces the quality and quantity of these interactions, leading to a decline in language development.
Social and Emotional Development
Screens can reduce a child’s interaction with nature and the outside world, leading to obesity, sleep problems, depression, and anxiety. Some studies reveal that watching screens at an early age can lead to emotional reactivity, aggression, and externalizing behaviors. It can also lead to lower levels of emotional understanding, especially in boys.
How Parents Can Manage Screen Time
Considering all the potential adverse outcomes, parents must step in and manage screen time effectively from an early age. Common strategies include:
· Restricting Screen Time: Parents can limit their child’s screen time by restricting access to specific times of day. They may set parental controls to ensure children don’t access their screens during off-hours. The CDC recommends limited screen time as follows:
o 30 mins to 1 hour for 3 to 7-year-olds
o One hour for 7 to 12-year-olds
o 1.5 hours for 12-15 year olds
o 2 hours for 16+
· Engage Your Child in Other Activities: Parents should also suggest activities children can engage in instead of screen time. For example, they may help their child develop a love of nature, reading, or writing. Participate in these activities to encourage engagement.
· Educate Your Child About the Dangers of Screen Time: Children should not think of reduced screen time as a punishment. Make them aware of the dangers of excessive screen time so they understand how it can impact their well-being. Let them know they should limit their screen time for their own good.
Little Tacker Toys is the Ideal Alternative to Screen Time
Are you struggling to find the ideal alternative to screen time? Outdoor children’s play equipment can help. It provides a healthy activity that will make children feel excited about something other than social media.
Little Tacker Toys offers quality children’s play equipment you can trust. We offer a wide selection of swing sets, trampolines, and ride-on cars that support development. Our excellent customer service ensures a pleasant experience.
Contact us to learn more about our safe and healthy children’s toys.
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