Page 34 - Cornwall 1 2021

ADVERTORIAL

GROWING UP

IN A DIGITAL ERA

BY CORNELI OOSTHUIZEN
Educational Psychologist

ur children are growing up in much screen time is that it can become activities is linked to an increase in
the age of the internet and an addiction. Research has found that anxiety and depression in children and
everything it brings with it, electronic gaming activates the same brain adolescents.
Osuch as social media, online area as addictive drugs such as cocaine.
gaming and access to much information. Signs of addiction in children can include How can we keep our children safe and
Screen time is described as the amount of the need to have more and more screen healthy?
time your child spends using a device that time, a lack of interest in other activities, As parents, we need to set a certain standard
has a screen such as a TV, computer, games withdrawal symptoms like being distressed of behaviour for our children regarding
console, tablet or smartphone. Screens if they are separated from their device or screen time. Behaviours include showing
are a part of our lives and we cannot keep battling to think of anything besides their them that we are more interested in what is
our children from using them. Reasonable device. happening in their lives than on Facebook
screen time can be beneficial for children or Instagram. Teach your kids about digital
and adolescents. It may assist them with 2. Impact on cognitive development etiquette and warn them about privacy
opportunities to enhance their existing Too much screen time at a young age can issues. Create screen-free zones such as
relationships, forge new connections, lead to delays in language development. the bedroom or the dinner table. Have
engage in safe identity exploration, aid in It is recommended that children under conversations with your child about what
academic pursuits and provide access to the age of two years should not use they have read on social media or the games
information about the world beyond their screens at all. Another area of cognitive they are playing online. Remind your child
immediate surroundings. Unfortunately, development linked to early and excessive that a smartphone is a privilege and not a
when screen time becomes excessive, it screen exposure is levels of concentration. right and do random spot checks on their
can be hazardous for a child’s physical and An excessive amount of screen time phones.
mental health. According to the American preconditions a child’s mind to expect
Academy of Paediatrics, caregivers should high levels of stimulation, which leads to Please contact me if you are concerned
limit screen time for teenagers to one and a difficulties with concentration span and an about your child’s use of screens or if you
half to two hours every day. The realities of increase in the diagnosis of Attention Deficit need further information or guidelines on
screen use in adolescents tell a very different Hyperactivity Disorder. the use of screens and screen time.
story, and research found that they spend
an average of 8 to 10 hours on their screens 3. Impact of psychological health
for recreational purposes. The dangers of It has been argued that excessive screen For more information, please contact
too much screen time are myriad and may time displaces important protective Corneli on 082 920 6917
include some of the following: behaviours for mental health such as Email: info@cornelioosthuizen.co.za
physical activity, getting enough sleep,
Web: www.cornelioosthuizen.co.za
1. Screen time addiction face-to-face social interactions and THE BENEFITS OF EDUCATIONAL
One of the most severe dangers of too academic activities. A lack of these
32 Cornwall View • Issue 1 2021