Children are spending more time in front of their screens now more than ever.
According to Gordon Training International, internationally recognised as pioneers in teaching communication skills and conflict resolution methods, children are often learning how to use technology before they have learnt how to talk, walk or even tie their shoes.
It is thus important for parents and guardians to understand the effect and consequences of increased use.
The institute shares the following insights and tips:
What is screen time?
Screen time refers to the period of time spent in front of a screen, this includes watching television, working on the computer, playing video games or using a mobile device.
According to a survey done by United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), children under the age of 18 represent one in every three worldwide Internet users:
- A child spends an average of eight hours on a device
- Half of the children aged 12 to 17 send or receive 60 or more text messages a day and an average of 34 text messages a night before they get into bed.
- 72 per cent of teens feel the need to respond immediately to texts, social media and other notifications (in comparison to 48 per cent of parents).
Screen time consequences
While screens provide endless entertainment as well as educational content, unlimited access can be harmful:
- disrupts sleep and desynchronises the body clock
- desensitises the brain’s reward system
- wired and tired
- induces acute and chronic stress produced changes in brain chemistry that can cause hyper-arousal
- exposure to screen-based light before and during sleep causes depression and even suicide
- sensory overload.
How can you help?
Children have nothing to gain and lots to lose from spending too much time in front of a screen.
If you are a parent or guardian and concerned with your child’s screen habits, here are some measures for consideration:
- Modeling
Adults are affected by screen time as well; they also have a better sense of self-control. Children learn by copying the behaviour of the adults around them so it is important to be good role models.
Example: Not having your phone out while you’re talking with your child or partner, maintain eye contact and use basic and active listening skills.
- Modifying the environment
There are multiple ways you can modify the physical environment to prevent or minimise behaviour that causes problems.
Parents and children should however seek a mutual agreement before making physical changes.
Example: The parents can move the television out of view from the dining area; this will create a separate space for the television and the dining room.
- Confrontive I-Message
This is the message a parent sends to the child when the parent owns a problem (the child is doing or saying something unacceptable to the parent).
It contains three parts – a non-blameful description of the specific behaviour, the effects that the behaviour is having on the parents, and the feeling the parent experiences due to the child’s behaviour.
Example: “When I want to talk with you about our plans this weekend. I am really annoyed because you’re on your phone and not answering me or remembering what I just asked you.”
- Method III Problem Solving
When people participate in making the rules, they are much more likely to follow them – this applies to children.
A child is more motivated to follow the rules because they are not handed down by the parent.
The parent doesn’t need to enforce the rules and the child learns self-discipline and responsibility.
Example: As a family you all sit down and talk about screen time during dinner and based on everyone’s needs, work out a solution that works for everyone.
Related articles:
Moms advised on how to parent screenagers in the digital age of social media
