By: Victoria H
We live in a world of screens! Technology is everywhere inside and outside of your home. So much of our lives relies on Wi-Fi, cellular data, or satellites to stay connected and be productive. With screen time consuming a lot of our day and attention, it is important to manage our time responsibly and make sure the young minds in our home are protected.
Exposure to technology is inevitable. Tech and screens are used for education, work, entertainment, social interaction, and personal assistance. You may wonder how much this really matters. After all, we grew up watching television and are presumably fine, right? However, technology is advancing so rapidly that there is a major difference between screen viewing from years ago and today. Now, unlimited content is right at your fingertips and scientifically curated to keep your attention while desiring more.
There are numerous dangers to excessive screen time. Much like harmful substances, modern usage causes a major spike in the pleasure and reward chemical of the brain, dopamine, that can lead to addictive behavior. According to the National Institute of Health, excessive screen time can disrupt sleep, strain the upper body, worsen the symptoms of mood disorders, stunt developmental growth, and negatively affect one’s overall well-being. We must take it upon ourselves to protect the younger, most vulnerable, minds. Not only from the dangerous dopamine imbalance of scrolling, but the unfiltered content of the internet. The worldwide web is saturated with dangerous content disguised as child friendly. Also, keep in mind that Artificial Intelligence is still developing and cannot be trusted to respond appropriately to your children.
It is important to make sure proper parental controls are in place. For older kids with their own devices, there are apps like Kids360 or Bark that can help you filter apps, websites, monitor content, and limit screen time. For younger children, it is important to limit screens as much as possible during the most critical ages of development. Children, especially under the age of 3, need face-to-face interaction to develop proper language and emotional regulation skills. We develop best from watching micro-expressions, mouth movements, and the emotional connections of communicating with our loved ones directly.
There are many ways to help reduce screen time in your home! One way is to provide activities that replace current devices. Bring back game nights, meals around a table, read a book series aloud together, or do family arts and crafts. Having a routine where screen time is allowed in small amounts for certain times of the day can help trim excess exposure. You can keep the bedroom strictly screen free to help with healthy sleep habits. Turning off Wi-Fi at night can also discourage internet use before bed.
Most importantly, we need to lead by example and model the behaviors we are trying to encourage. We are also guilty of using our phones for everything! Navigation, schedule tracking, note taking, and everything in between. Putting your phone away, turning off the T.V. and making sure you are present in the moment can make a huge difference. There’s nothing wrong with a little screen time here and there but making an effort to connect with those around you can be a healthy and grounding experience that helps your household flourish.