Curiosity, exploration and wandering around in babies is a sign of development. Do you find keeping up with your child’s energy is taxing? Providing phone, iPad and TV seems to do the task? Please continue to read if you think so, otherwise too continue to read to know the world of children and virtual media.
The brain is one of the most complex and sensitive organ in a human body. Everyday our neurons are shaped by the reality around. Well, the quality of the reality determines how well our brain develops and healthy. Having screen time is like gorging on low calorie food. You are undernourished and under-stimulated. What are the consequences? Poor health and functioning. Now, think about freeing yourself by indulging your child in screen time. I am not blaming, just stating the obvious and I don’t decide for you.
Development of the cortex depends on the stimulation you receive in real life. You learn to communicate, problem solve, be creative and think critical. The neurons are pruned away (wasted) when not in use. So imagine when these cortical centers are wasted away in your child through excessive screen time. You may argue there are lots of stimulating and informative programs in media. I am not to disagree with you in this context but to create awareness that “excess” is “harmful”. You can always balance with non-screen time activities. Also spending quality / play time with your child proves tremendous benefits to your child.
According to Indian Academy of Pediatrics and UNICEF, the age appropriate use and time for children are listed below:
- No screen exposure to infants below 2 years of age, apart from periodic video calls with relatives and family.
- For babies of age group 1-5 years, screen time should be limited to maximum of 1 hour.
- For children above 5 and adolescents, screen time should be limited to 2 hours.
Balance the use of screen time with proper sleep, diet, physical and real time activities. Balance is key to optimal growth and health.
In studies, it is found that excessive screen time can impact problem solving skills, communication, social skills and mental health, especially anxiety. Other issues can be obesity, lifestyle disorders like thyroid, PCOD, diabetes and sleep paralysis. Mental health issues like social anxiety, lacking trust of others, adjustment issues and stress can be some of the consequences of excessive screen time. Exposure to blue light through screens can affect the production of melatonin which can affect the quality of sleep. Quality sleep is necessary for a growing child and adult humans as well.
In 1975, Dr. Edward Tronick of UMASS Boston’s Infant Parent Mental health program conducted an experiment to study the effect of maternal depression and stress on emotional development of the child. He conducted an experiment in which the baby was exposed to mother’s interaction and play with the baby and then the mother turned the face away and then become expressionless. The baby grew distressed, sober and wary of this behavior. The study was replicated in infants with various issues like drug exposure, Autism, Down syndrome and so on. Imagine your infant is exposed to such “still faces” in long term. The child may experience delay in development of language development, communication, social skills and most sadly to mistrust the world. This is what happens in absence of parents and exposure to screen time. Your infant’s development is your responsibility.
What your child watches also shapes his/ her perception of reality. Watching senseless, violent shows and other inappropriate shows can affect the child’s view of the world and how they interact with others. The content matters as well. I am not saying don’t provide screen time. I am saying be wise on how you spend your time with your child. It is sometimes not possible to limit the exposure of screen time provided living in a digital age.
There are ways to how to spend time with your kids and tackle “chore time” when kids are around. Involve your child in the chores it stimulates brain development. It may slow you but it is worth involving your child in the chores you do for their growth and development as a human. Emotion coach your child by interacting emotionally and playing with them, this leads to emotional development. Have frequent play times with your infant. Expose them to the real world to develop problem solving skills, life skills, critical thinking and creativity. Have meal time as screen-free time for everyone. Sometimes, you may have to prioritize your child above personal comfort. Consider it as an investment of your time for later benefit for seeing your child grow into a fully functional human.
Spend time and know more about your older children and specially know what they watch during screen time. Shouting and rebuking is not the way to go when you find out your child is exposed to inappropriate content. Explain them and restrict access to such content. Be your child’s friend, a space they can be themselves and share with you their world. You may need to create a non-judgmental attitude. It doesn’t mean you should not correct them. Correct and treat them with compassion. How you behave is copied and reflected by your child. The world needs more kind people.
The takeaway is be mindful on what you expose your child to and spend more time with them.
