Page 25 - Blue Valley News 2 2021

TODAY’S CHILD

GROWING UP IN A DIGITAL ERA

By Corneli Oosthuizen, Educational Psychologist

ur children are growing up in the dangers of too much screen time are myriad 3. Impact of psychological health
age of the internet and everything and may include some of the following: It has been argued that excessive screen time
Oit brings with it, such as social displaces important protective behaviours
media, online gaming and access to much 1. Screen time addiction for mental health such as physical activity,
information. Screen time is described as One of the most severe dangers of too much getting enough sleep, face-to-face social
the amount of time your child spends screen time is that it can become an addiction. interactions and academic activities. A lack
using a device that has a screen such as Research has found that electronic gaming of these activities is linked to an increase
a TV, computer, games console, tablet activates the same brain area as addictive in anxiety and depression in children and
or smartphone. Screens are a part of our drugs such as cocaine. Signs of addiction in adolescents.
lives and we cannot keep our children children can include the need to have more
from using them. Reasonable screen and more screen time, a lack of interest in How can we keep our children safe
time can be beneficial for children and other activities, withdrawal symptoms like and healthy?
adolescents. It may assist them with being distressed if they are separated from As parents, we need to set a certain standard
opportunities to enhance their existing their device or battling to think of anything of behaviour for our children regarding screen
relationships, forge new connections, besides their device. time. Behaviours include showing them that
engage in safe identity exploration, aid in we are more interested in what is happening
academic pursuits and provide access to 2. Impact on cognitive development in their lives than on Facebook or Instagram.
information about the world beyond their Too much screen time at a young age can Teach your kids about digital etiquette and
immediate surroundings. Unfortunately, lead to delays in language development. warn them about privacy issues. Create
when screen time becomes excessive, it It is recommended that children under the screen-free zones such as the bedroom or the
can be hazardous for a child’s physical and age of two years should not use screens at dinner table. Have conversations with your
mental health. According to the American all. Another area of cognitive development child about what they have read on social
Academy of Paediatrics, caregivers should linked to early and excessive screen exposure media or the games they are playing online.
limit screen time for teenagers to one and is levels of concentration. An excessive Remind your child that a smartphone is a
a half to two hours every day. The realities amount of screen time preconditions a child’s privilege and not a right and do random spot
of screen use in adolescents tell a very mind to expect high levels of stimulation, checks on their phones.
different story, and research found that which leads to difficulties with concentration BV
they spend an average of 8 to 10 hours on span and an increase in the diagnosis of
their screens for recreational purposes. The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

BLUE VALLEY NEWS • Issue 2 2021 • 23