As schools are closed due to coronavirus pandemic, kids are working on screens. They are growing up with screens and can’t do without smartphones, tablets because of it, screen time has increased more than before. And as per studies, too much screen time can have a negative impact on children. While digital devices offer educational content and activities but unlimited screen time can be harmful. So here are some side effects of too much screen time for kids:
- Sleep issues
Too much screen time causes sleep deprivation. Kids need more sleep than adults for their developing body and mind. The average child needs 10-12 hours of sleep each night to grow and develop properly. But the screen time can decrease the much-needed sleep time. All electronics, including cell phones, tablets, iPads, and TVs, emit blue light from the screen. The body interprets that blue light as daylight and the brain sends out the signal to wake up. So don’t give your kids a mobile phone to your kids before sleeping.
- Weak eyesight
Looking at the screen for a long time can damage eyes. Long stretches of screen time can cause the eyes to get dry and irritated.
- Obesity
Using any electronic device requires to set down or at least be still for some time. The sedentary nature of this activity often results in child obesity. Investing too much time in a sedentary activity can become a risk factor for becoming overweight.
- Aches and pains
Kids don’t spend time on mobile devices only for studying they also play games and do other things. Too much use of smartphones leads to various aches and pains as well. The head, neck, and wrists are often held at odd angles which causes pain.
- Weak emotional judgment
A lot of screen time also affects a child’s ability to process emotions. Exposure to violent media content can increase aggression levels, especially in children and adolescents.
Ways to care for a child’s eyes during online classes:
- We recommend that screens should be watched in a well-lit room to reduce eye strain.
- Ask them to blink often while watching anything
- You must ask your kids to follow the 20-20-20 rule which states that every 20 minutes we should look away from the screen for 20 seconds at an object 20 feet away.
- A well-balanced diet is very important for everyone who uses screen.
