First the statistics:

• The global average for screen time stands at 6 hours and 57 minutes
• On an average, individuals check their smartphones 58 times per day
• 90 percent of older children watch TV screens
• Gen Z spends around 9 hours per day looking at a screen  
• 74 percent of parents report that their children aged 2 and younger watch television
• Nearly 50 percent of 0 to 2-year-olds interact with smartphones

Sounds alarming?

Recently, a concerned parent, in a chat with TAS Weekly, shared studies that have proven the detrimental impact of screens and social media on children’s development and mental health. Recounting personal experiences and alarming statistics, the parent emphasized the critical need for intervention to address excessive screen time.

Parents do face an uphill battle in safeguarding their children’s well-being from the constant onslaught of screens and social media. In many a home, children are exposed to screens at very early ages and they quickly learn to navigate, effortlessly, through apps and online content.

While it may appear harmless in the initial days, it can soon turn into an ogre that is difficult to defeat; with a dark side that can impact both mental and physical health. Research, in fact, has found links between excessive screen time and various health and developmental issues.

For most parents, it was the pandemic that aggravated the situation, thrusting children into a fully-digitized educational environment. With online classes dominating their daily routine, concerns over screen addiction and mental health became more pronounced. For two years and more, children were forced to take online classes, which meant long screen hours, without respite.

Pan to 2024, normalcy may have returned in all aspects of life, but statistics on screen time do not indicate any decrease, even when all fingers point at internet-enabled mobile/TV/laptop usage for several behavioural and learning problems.

There is enough evidence to suggest that excessive screen use can limit children’s (especially among 2 to 3 year olds) abilities to develop optimally. Screen time could also lead to obesity, sleep disorders and poor language development (when screen time is more than two hours); it could be the source for mental health conditions and depression among young adults.

Although there are global initiatives and strategies to counter these ill effects, the onus lies on parents and caregivers to prioritize alternative activities and engage in open communication with children. The challenge here lies in surpassing screen time to find alternatives that are beneficial for all. From setting strict time limits to fostering offline activities like reading and board games, the emphasis is on reclaiming balance in children’s lives.

Simply by prioritizing meaningful interactions and providing alternatives to screen-based entertainment, families can overcome these challenges and stay better connected.

–

HL

How to overcome adverse effects of screen time?

In an exclusive interview with TAS Weekly, Dr. Aziz Al Namani, Senior Psychiatrist at Top Medical Care, sheds light on the critical importance of parental awareness regarding the potential impact of screen time and social media on children’s well-being, and offers strategies to address the challenges associated with excessive screen time and measures to counteract negative effects on academic performance.

How crucial is it for parents to be aware of the potential impact of screen time and social media on their children’s well-being?

Social media and excessive screen time are significant risk factors for children’s mental health. Parental awareness and control are crucial to prevent problems associated with social media overuse.

In your experience, how can parents address the challenges associated with excessive screen time?

Raising children’s awareness, scheduling diverse activities, and limiting screen time through parental control features are all impactful strategies.

Studies have shown that excessive screen use obstructs a child’s ability to properly interpret emotions. How can this impact a child’s emotional development?

Healthy emotional expression requires consistent interaction and communication with parents and family. Excessive screen time disrupts this quality time, which is essential for emotional well-being.

How can prolonged exposure to screens contribute to anxiety, and what can parents do to mitigate this?

Prolonged screen time disrupts the brain’s chemical balance, reducing a child’s ability to manage anxiety and develop coping skills.

What strategies would you recommend for helping children untie their lives from digital devices and reduce such dependency?

A balanced schedule filled with diverse physical and social activities is recommended. Parents must actively limit screen time to promote overall well-being.

How does excessive screen use impact academic performance and cognitive abilities in children?

Studies show that excessive screen time negatively affects attention and concentration, leading to poor academic performance.

In your professional opinion, what measures can be taken to counteract the negative effects of screens on academic outcomes?

To protect children, parents should:

• Supervise online content
• Set strict screen time limits
• Engage with children during their screen time

What role does parental involvement play in regulating screen time, and what strategies can parents employ to be actively engaged in their children’s digital lives?

Parents play a vital role in regulating screen time and must take full responsibility for managing their children’s device usage.

What are some creative and engaging alternatives to screen time that parents can introduce to their children?

Parents can offer healthy alternatives like physical activity, sports, camping, gardening, and most importantly, quality bonding time through shared activities.

How can parents with limited resources address screen-related issues and provide alternatives for their children?

Limited resources shouldn’t deter parents from addressing screen time issues. Seeking help and learning simple strategies can effectively guide parents in reducing these difficulties.

Are there specific counseling or therapeutic approaches that can be beneficial for children facing mental health challenges related to screen use?

Mental health professionals offer guidance and support to children and families struggling with screen time challenges. Therapies like child-parent support, occupational therapy, and psychotherapy can address related mental health issues.

How can parents, counselors, and educators work collaboratively to provide ongoing support to families navigating the challenges of screens and social media? Collaboration is key in tackling screen time difficulties. Teachers and counselors can host conferences and workshops to raise awareness among children and parents, promoting wider family understanding.