How to Balance Screen Time and Physical Activity for Kids in the Digital Age

Screens are taking over the world everywhere, from phones, laptops, tablets, and TV screens dominating our offices, homes,  and even our leisure time. Our eyes are now more exposed to blue light from devices than natural light. Kids are so addicted  to screens that it has led to a phenomenon called “iPad kids,” who are highly  addicted to screens and devices that any attempt to take the devices results in wild, uncontrollable temper tantrums and even violent behaviour. These events are the result of the content kids consume and a lack of proper social behaviour development. There’s no questioning the benefits of devices, but their disadvantages are prevalent too. Achieving a balance between screen time and physical activity is essential for the proper development of children. In this blog, we will explore how to achieve this balance.

Why Screen Time Limits Are Necessary

This is the first generation of kids so close to technology, and yet the effects are so bad. When kids are sucked into the world of screens, it severely impacts their mental and physical health, social skills, and overall growth and development.

1. Physical Health: Excessive screen time is associated with numerous physical health issues, including obesity, poor posture, eye strain, and disrupted sleep patterns. Children who spend too much time on screens are often sedentary, missing out on the physical activity necessary for healthy growth and development.
2. Mental Health: Studies suggest that too much screen time may contribute to mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. The constant stimulation from screens can overwhelm a child’s developing brain, leading to stress and emotional instability.
3. Developmental Impact: Overuse of screens can hinder a child’s development by limiting opportunities for social interaction, physical activity, and imaginative play. Studies show that excessive screen time can lead to a decline in cognitive abilities and impair social skills.

How to balance screen time for your kids

Keep limits clear and consistent

One of the most important factors to keep in mind while trying to control screen time is consistency. In the whirlwind of everyday duties, it is easy to shuffle priorities amidst nearing deadlines, school days, summer holidays, and the holidays. You can begin by trying to keep screen times as predictable as possible. You can set tech curfews before bedtime and ban phones from the dinner tables. These limits help children understand when and where screen use is appropriate,  and reduce the likelihood of conflicts.

Encourage alternate activities and hobbies

These should be activities the kids enjoy, and it is best if they are activities they can perform without the parents active participation. This is because the activities should be independent of the parents’ availability. You can sign them up for classes like painting, music, dance, or swimming, whatever piques their interest. These activities should be engaging, fun, and challenging, so they look forward to the next session. This allows them to figure out their interests while also improving their social skills as they interact with different teachers and students.

Assign chores from an early age

You can quickly run out of activities to keep your young ones engaged. You can involve children in household chores, starting with simple tasks like picking up their toys, throwing trash in the bin, and putting away clothes and silverware. This not only keeps them engaged but also instils a sense of discipline and responsibility.

Quality family time

Spend quality time together as a family. Play board games, have family dinners, and watch movies together. Choose low-stimulation shows, such as classic cartoons like “Dragon Tales,” “Oswald,” and “Winnie the Pooh,” or newer shows designed to be less stimulating. This fosters family bonding and provides an opportunity to model balanced screen use.

Leading by example

Children are easily influenced by parents’ behaviour, so if you want your child to reduce their screen time, you’ve got to practise what you preach. Demonstrate how screen time should be used responsibly, and be mindful of when and where you use your devices. Share screen-free family activities with your children and show them how real-life experiences hold immense value.

Acceptable Screen Times for Different Ages

Children under 18 months: Avoid the use of screens other than video chatting. Ages 18 to 24 months: If parents want to introduce digital media, choose high-quality programs or apps and use them together with the child. Limit screen time to a maximum of 1 hour per day. Ages 2 to 5 years: Limit screen time to 1 hour per day of high-quality programming. Co-view content with your child and engage with them to help them understand what they are seeing. Ages 6 and older: Set consistent limits on screen time, ensuring it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or other healthy behaviours. Encourage a balance of activities, including outdoor play, reading, and hobbies. Balancing screen time with physical activity is crucial for the healthy development of children in the digital age. By setting clear limits and spending quality family time together, parents can help their children develop healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. Screens are an inevitable part of our world, but with mindful management, we can ensure they enhance rather than hinder our children’s growth and development.