In a world where you can’t go a minute without coming across a gadget that is waiting to pull you in with its shiny pixels displaying content that you can potentially drain hours into, managing screen time is a challenge for every one of us. Today’s children grow up with gadgets as playmates, and their learning, entertainment, and even social interactions are increasingly mediated through screens. From educational apps to engaging animations, technology has become integral to childhood. Yet, as screen time becomes nearly unavoidable, parents are left wondering how much screen time is healthy for their kids and what effects this prolonged exposure may have on young minds and bodies. Just to set some context for you, as published in the research article titled “Screen time usage among preschoolers aged 2-6 in rural Western India: A cross-sectional study”, more than 80 per cent of the children who were observed during the study, exceeded the advised screen time. The culprits? Smartphones and Televisions.
Similar to the study I mentioned above, there are a plethora of studies and research articles supporting this dire need for us to look away from screens. Governments, like the one in Australia, are enacting laws to protect kids from falling prey to the allure of looking at screens for hours at end. So, what should be done from our end?
A growing digital population creates a challenge for us
Let’s face it – today’s kids are more tech-savvy than any generation before. From toddlers who can navigate through YouTube videos to teenagers making Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, children interact with technology in ways that would have been unimaginable a couple of decades ago. According to recent studies, children aged 8 to 18 spend an average of seven hours a day on screens, encompassing everything from schoolwork to gaming. For many, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, which introduced a significant digital element into school curriculums in India, screen time has shifted from being a supplementary activity to a significant part of daily routines.
This ubiquity of screens is partly driven by convenience. Digital learning, remote schooling, and a plethora of kid-focused content make it easy for screens to occupy children’s time. However, the question arises: is such extensive exposure beneficial? And if not, what impact does it have?
Understanding the impact of prolonged screen time
The effects of prolonged screen time on children are multifaceted, impacting physical health, mental well-being, and cognitive development. Here’s a look at some crucial areas affected by excessive gadget use:
Physical health risks: Children who spend extended periods on screens are at risk of several physical health issues. The most obvious is eye strain, known as Computer Vision Syndrome, which results in headaches, dry eyes, and blurred vision. With screens being so close to the face, children may not blink as much, leading to dry, irritated eyes. Additionally, long periods of screen time can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, which is linked to obesity, cardiovascular problems, and metabolic issues. The lack of physical activity can also hinder motor skill development in younger children, as they miss out on outdoor play, climbing, and other physical activities that strengthen their muscles and coordination.
Sleep disruption: The blue light emitted from screens has been found to disrupt sleep patterns, especially in children. Blue light suppresses melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep, making it harder for kids to fall asleep at night. Studies indicate that children with higher screen time, particularly before bed, tend to have shorter sleep duration and poorer sleep quality. Inadequate sleep can then lead to issues such as reduced concentration, irritability, and impaired cognitive function. For children who are still in critical developmental stages, poor sleep can impact memory formation, learning abilities, and even emotional resilience.
Impact on mental health: Prolonged screen time, especially on social media, has been linked to issues such as anxiety, depression, and a decreased sense of well-being in older children and teenagers. The constant comparison, exposure to idealised images, and pressure to be “liked” can lead to self-esteem issues, even in young children. Online bullying and unrealistic portrayals on social media can amplify these effects, making children feel isolated or inadequate. Moreover, for younger kids, screen time can become an easy escape from boredom or emotional discomfort, which may hamper their ability to self-regulate emotions. Over time, this reliance on screens for comfort can lead to increased anxiety and an inability to cope with real-life challenges.
Cognitive and behavioural changes: Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to screens can influence brain development in young children. Excessive screen time has been linked to attention issues, impulsive behaviour, and difficulty with problem-solving and creativity. Younger children are particularly susceptible, as their brains are highly plastic and influenced by stimuli from their environment.
Additionally, there is a growing concern that screen time can impact language development. While some digital content is educational, passively consuming videos and apps does not offer the same linguistic benefits as face-to-face interactions. This is especially true for toddlers who need rich, responsive conversations to build vocabulary and communication skills.
Guidelines on screen time vary by age and purpose, but here’s a general framework based on expert recommendations:
Under 18 months: No screen time is recommended except for video calls, which allow social interaction with family and friends.
18 months to 2 years: If screen time is introduced, it should be limited to high-quality, educational content with parental guidance.
3 to 5 years: Limit screen time to one hour per day of high-quality content, co-viewed with a parent or caregiver to help interpret and apply learning.
6 years and older: Set consistent limits on screen time based on family priorities and the child’s needs. Experts generally advise a maximum of two hours of recreational screen time per day for school-aged children.
Note: This is not medical advice but the author’s interpretation of studies and research articles that indicate the advised screen time for kids.
If you are interested in reading more on the topic, I have added links to some interesting resources I came across while working on the article at the end.
Managing screen time effectively
With screens embedded into everyday life, outright bans are neither practical nor beneficial. Instead, parents can implement some really effective yet simple strategies and daily habits for their kids to foster a balanced relationship with technology.
Establish “tech-free” zones: Designate certain areas in the house, like the dining room or bedrooms, as screen-free zones. This practice encourages family bonding during meals and promotes a more restful environment for sleep.
Model healthy screen habits: Children learn by observing adults. If parents set limits on their own screen time, use devices purposefully, and spend time away from screens, children are more likely to emulate these behaviours.
Encourage alternative activities: Introduce children to non-screen-based activities that they can engage in regularly, such as outdoor play, reading, art, or family games. Activities that stimulate creativity and physical movement can naturally reduce screen time.
Create a schedule: Setting a routine with designated times for screen use can help manage children’s screen habits. Allocating specific times for screen use, schoolwork, physical activity, and family time allows children to experience a well-rounded day.
Use Parental Controls wisely: Today’s devices come with features that allow parents to set time limits on app usage or restrict access to certain types of content. This can be useful in preventing younger kids from spending excessive time on non-educational apps or social media.
Encourage co-viewing and discussing content: Co-viewing content with children not only helps monitor what they’re watching but also opens opportunities for conversations. Discussing the content allows children to ask questions, understand concepts better, and develop critical thinking skills.
What lies ahead?
The solution to screen time dilemmas isn’t to restrict children entirely but to create a balanced digital lifestyle that promotes healthy habits. Rather than seeing technology as an adversary, parents can aim to make it a tool for learning, exploration, and family bonding. Technology, when used thoughtfully, has numerous benefits. Educational apps, virtual museum tours, and storytelling platforms are fantastic resources when balanced with physical, social, and creative activities.
The evolving tech landscape means that screen time will likely continue to be a part of our daily lives. We cannot escape it. At Digit, it is our bread and butter, so there’s no escaping it. By regulating screen time instead of restricting it, ensuring a healthy balance between physical and digital activities that are stimulating for the kids, and ensuring that the parents are maintaining a healthy connection with their little ones, spending time, observing their needs and behaviours, parents can help their children navigate the digital world while maintaining their physical and mental well-being.
Satvik Pandey, is a self-professed Steve Jobs (not Apple) fanboy, a science & tech writer, and a sports addict. At Digit, he works as a Deputy Features Editor, and manages the daily functioning of the magazine. He also reviews audio-products (speakers, headphones, soundbars, etc.), smartwatches, projectors, and everything else that he can get his hands on. A media and communications graduate, Satvik is also an avid shutterbug, and when he's not working or gaming, he can be found fiddling with any camera he can get his hands on and helping produce videos – which means he spends an awful amount of time in our studio. His game of choice is Counter-Strike, and he's still attempting to turn pro. He can talk your ear off about the game, and we'd strongly advise you to steer clear of the topic unless you too are a CS junkie.
