Common Concerns

Screen time

Screen Time Guidelines , Tips To Online Learning And Responsible Media Usage.

Age appropriate guidelines

  • Under 24 months no screen time.
  • 2-5 years up to only 1 hour.
  • Older kids -such that adequate sleep, physical activity and heathy media use age.
  • Now with even learning happening online, we all are expected to make relaxations.
  • It would be ideal to co parent /view their contents, make it interactive (ask questions, talk ), use contents which are safe and violence free.

Advantages

  • In these difficult times helps to socially connect (face time, video calls).
  • Made distant learning possible be it school or hobbies like music, sports, chess etc.

Disadvantages and long term effects

  • Excessive viewing especially around bed time can affect sleep.
  • Reduced physical activity leads to obesity.
  • Poor socio emotional development due to reduced real life interaction.
  • Behaviour problems due to viewing non age appropriate content that maybe violent or sexual.
  • Studies suggest that when individuals are engrossed in internet games, it responses in brain that influences feelings of pleasure and reward resulting in addictive behaviour.

Online learning tips

  • Proper seating, back and feet supported, screen away from window to avoid glare .
  • 20-20-20 every 20 minutes look 20 feet away for 20 seconds, ensure they take a break to avoid overload.
  • Don’t share passwords, numbers, address, pictures with people online.
  • Be friendly, open minded and non judgemental as it will allow the child to be honest about their activity.
  • Train child report suspicious activity to parents (you).
  • If any content affecting them (friends bullying, inappropriate messages and pictures) to report to you.
  • Be aware of media history, pornography and violent video games/ content.

Responsible parenting

  • Model correct behaviour -show them the right media behaviour
  • Keep screen time away during food time and at bedroom.
  • When providing screen time, ensure the content is safe ,educational and avoid violent/ sexual content.
  • Don’t use screen as reward.
  • Encourage offline activities like sport, dance, music, board games etc.