We live in a digital age, and one that’s becoming more and more digital with each passing day. Just thirty years ago, flip phones were considered a luxury. But nowadays, the majority of the global population has what are essentially miniature computers in their pockets at all times. More powerful than the technology that put man on the moon. While this advancement certainly has its benefits, though, studies are coming out that show some definite drawbacks as well, especially among children. Here’s how excessive screen time can harm your child, and why you should consider limiting screen time in your household.
How is Screen Time Harmful?
The answer to this question isn’t exactly simple. The ways in which excessive screen time can harm your child change as they grow and develop. But the one constant is that they’re always present in one form or another. In infancy, screen time can take away from real-world interactions that are instrumental in cognitive development. In childhood, it can keep children from going outside. It leads to increased rates of childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles. In adolescence, online interactions often replace their real-world counterparts, leaving teens feeling socially isolated and depressed. Simply put, excessive screen time can be harmful to children of any age. Parents should ensure that screens used in moderation, if at all.
Limiting screen time, however, can help your child develop into a well-rounded and socially healthy adult. Finding a healthy limit can be challenging, but the long-term payoff makes it well-worth the effort.
Should I Buy My Child a Phone?
This is a tough question that doesn’t have a universal answer. In some cases, the convenience and security a smartphone provides will be a great fit for parents and children. In others, the drawbacks of easy access to a smartphone are simply too severe for a phone to be worth it. We recommend having a discussion with other parents in your life, as well as with your child themselves to get a variety of opinions and advice before making your decision.
Ideal Screen Time Limits by Age
Because different ages have different needs, their ideal screen time limits are different as well. Though this is by no means a set-in-stone set of rules, we hope that you can use the guidelines below to piece together a system that works for you and your family.
Infancy (0-2)
Though it may seem extreme at first, most pediatric experts recommend not giving infants any screen time at all until they reach 18-24 months of age. This is because in those early years, children are in a very sensitive period of development in which they have to form certain skills or risk falling behind in the long term. Screen time can distract them from the real-world interactions that will teach these key skills, so it’s best to avoid them entirely until their development is less fragile.
Early and Middle Childhood (3-10)
Once your child has left infancy for childhood, you can start easing up on screen time restrictions, but we still recommend being fairly strict. Aim to give your child no more than one hour of screen time a day. Be sure to supervise them whenever they’re using their device to ensure they’re doing so safely and responsibly. In addition, provide them with other activities and toys to play with when they’re not using a device, giving them opportunities to entertain themselves without a screen.
Early Adolescence (11-15)
If you’ve decided to buy your child a phone eventually, this is probably the point where you’ll do it. If you do so, we recommend making use of parental control features to restrict screen time to 2-3 hours per day. Also block access to websites that may contain illegal, inappropriate, or explicit material. This ensures that your child can gain all the benefits and conveniences of a smartphone without having their social growth stunted by it.
Late Adolescence (16-18)
By this point, your child has very nearly become an adult, so as hard as it may be for you to do. It’s time to take a step back. You’ve spent nearly two decades preparing them to make their own decisions and learn to care for themselves, so now’s the time to let them spread their wings and fly. Of course, you can still offer the occasional word of advice, but we recommend letting your child set their limits and figure out what works best for them as they transition into adulthood.
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