Every individual under the age of 20 has grown up with some type of electronic device. Most likely a cell phone, but there are a number of other types of screens that young people will stare at for hours. A frazzled parent may welcome the time their toddler or young child spends quietly playing a game or watching a jazzy video about a dancing shark. It gives the parents a bit of much-needed silence.
How Much Is Too Much For Children
As an adult, you may stare at a computer screen or two, all day long for your paycheck, that is different than when your children stare at an electronic screen for hours on end. Children’s brains are still developing until their early 20s.
The constant blinking of a computer screen, even though we can’t see the blinking, is detrimental to a child’s brain as well as their eyesight. If your child is showing signs of behavior issues, obesity, or eyesight strains, you should seek medical advice as well as limit their time in front of a screen.
For children ages 2 to 6, it is best they spend no more than one-hour watching television or playing an age-appropriate computer game. For kids ages 8 to pre-teen, they should spend no more than two hours a day on an electronic device. Older children should also be limited in their screen time, but it would be according to their level of maturity and the need for homework assistance.
What Children View
What children are viewing is just as important as how much video entertainment they are consuming. It is up to the parents to pick and choose what their children are viewing. There are tons of age-appropriate and educational videos online as well as on local and national television channels.
Limiting or deleting violent video games for children ages 6 and up is essential to control their tempers. There have been countless studies conducted by reputable medical outlets that link violent video games to young children and their anger. While their brains are developing, it is better if they are watching and learning from educational outlets.
Adults and Screen Time
If you need to use a computer screen for your daily employment, it is essential that you take many small breaks during the day. Even if you avert your eyes every 15 to 20 minutes, this will help your eyes from straining and your brain from draining.
If you can, get up and walk around at least once every hour and a half or two hours. This will help your physical and mental health. You need to stretch your muscles and get your blood flowing. This will not only help your physical well-being; it is good for your mind to change the view and get away from tasks that are weighing on your brain.
Staying Healthy
The bottom line with screen time is to limit it for your health and well-being. Encourage children to get outdoors and to become active. You can do this best by an example, by joining them outside and in an activity.
