Welcome back! Today we’ll go over screen time for children. I’m going to touch base on the benefits of technology in raising children, and the not so great side of it. The fact is, kids are using technology at a far younger age than any previous generation.
I believe children using technology in moderation can be very beneficial. From my personal experience my daughter learned ways to count and recognize numbers early on from certain apps I had. She also learned shape recognition through another game, both scenarios are a win in my book.
Want to know what else it’s great for? Communicating with relatives who don’t live nearby. Sometimes it’s just better to see the person during a conversation, even if it’s not in person. Having access to video chats is a great way to let your children talk to grandparents who live states away.
One more benefit to screen time is how cartoons can spark imagination and creative thinking. My oldest used to love watching PJ Masks. She would always run up to something and try to open doors (when she couldn’t reach the handle) and use her “super gecko muscles.” She’s since outgrown her gecko muscles, but she’s really getting into acting out positive figures. Whether it be superheros, problem solvers, princesses, or Barbie and her 5 dozen careers. They allow her to see something and want to be just like that.
Since I gave you the good news already, I’ll let you have the not so good news now. Overuse of screen time can lead to an array of problems. Sleep is one of the main issues reported. Screens put out certain lights that interfere with our sleep, this is even more troubling for young children.
One side effect that is probably the most alarming is the behavior change. Many children who are given too much screen time develop behavioral struggles. They tend to have a hard time paying attention, they get moody, if you’ve been there you know it’s not pretty. Behavior change is usually the first sign of my child getting too much screen time, even if that’s just from cartoons playing in the background throughout the day.
Today’s youngest generation is using technology younger than any before it. Everydayfamily.com found that 10% of babies had used some sort of device before age 1. I would say this is crazy young if you think about it. They can barely bring a spoon to their mouth, but are somehow using smartphones. The usage rate for children ages 2-4 was 39% and 54% for ages 5-8.
As technology is booming and children are using it more and more, companies have started marketing products toward that age group. How many tablets do you see that are meant for kids? Even products normally pushed to adults are trying to persuade children with colorful games and apps already installed.
Let’s refresh.
Limited screen time can be beneficial when it’s supervised appropriately. Technology is a lifesaver when communicating with loved ones who aren’t nearby. Too much screen time can have negative effects on sleep and behavior. To be honest, technology is unavoidable unless you’re living under a rock. Use it wisely, don’t just hand over a tablet. Allow your kids to have their screen time, but don’t over do it. Playing out in the dirt will be much more beneficial to their growth, and getting outside is a great way for them to burn off energy. And don’t ever let today’s society make you feel as if you need to offer screens to your child at a young age.
So, in your opinion is technology helpful or harmful for children?
Parenting With Patience 