Have you ever wondered if the amount of screen time your children engage in is damaging to their mental health? If you have concerns about your children and screen time but don’t know where to start, keep reading.
Technology is constantly advancing. As parents in the digital age, it can be hard to stay afloat through the ever-changing digital trends and new devices. You want the best for your children, but sometimes you also need to use the bathroom without kiddos trailing behind you (if you know, you know). Parents are resorting to screen time more than ever before, especially over the last two years of school closures and lock-downs.
While technology has opened many doors that were previously closed, it also presents certain challenges. As an online Health and Fertility Coach, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of the digital world. As a mom of six, I’ve also witnessed the negatives of technology up close and personal.
The thing is, it’s not just the kids who struggle with screen time. Momma, I’m right there with you. Sometimes it’s easier to scroll endlessly on the cellphone than engage in real life. That’s why what I’m sharing in this article is so important. You’ll learn about the negative effects of technology on your children’s mental health and healthy alternatives to screen time.
How Does Technology Negatively Affect Mental Health?
The use of social media by teenagers increased most quickly between 2009 and 2011, by which point two-thirds of 15 to 17-year-olds were using it on a daily basis. Not only that, according to a study by the Pew Research Center in 2018, 54 percent of teens aged 13 to 17 said they were concerned about the amount of time they were spending online and on their phones. While teenagers are able to evaluate their screen time usage, younger children don’t have the capability to objectively evaluate their use of technology.
MRI scans found significant differences in the brains of some children who reported using smartphones, tablets, and video games more than seven hours a day. Children who reported more than two hours a day of screen time got lower scores on thinking and language tests.
Young children use devices like tablets for educational activities, gaming, video chatting with family, movies, shows, and more. As kids get older, they use devices for connecting with others through social media. While it doesn’t appear inherently bad to give a child a tablet to help them pass the time on a long car ride, there are a few reasons to be concerned.
Screen Time on the Brain
The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study by the National Institutes of Health has been following more than 11,000 kids, ages 9 and 10 years old, in 21 different areas throughout the United States. Their initial findings report that MRI scans found significant differences in the brains of some children who reported using smartphones, tablets, and video games more than seven hours a day. Children who reported more than two hours a day of screen time got lower scores on thinking and language tests.
Screen Time on Emotions
Screen time adversely impacts your children’s emotions, too. One population-based study found that one hour of screen time per day was linked to progressively lower psychological well-being. The researchers also found that children with more screen time were also more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety or depression.
Additionally, even interactive screen time where children are texting, chatting, or gaming with others can negatively impact their emotions. This type of activity can lead to hyperarousal and compulsive use, as well as affect their self-esteem.
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Are There Benefits of Technology for Children’s Mental Health?
The blanket statement that all screen time is bad for children is oversimplifying the issue. Factors like the device used, activities, socioeconomic status, and even the genetics of the child all play a role in their reaction to screen time. For example, excessive screen time may be a cause of a child’s ADHD behavior. It could also be that a parent with a child who exhibits ADHD behavior is more likely to hand them a device.
Research is still ongoing on the exact outcomes of screen time on children’s mental health. What we know for sure is that children recognize they spend a lot of their free time on a device. It doesn’t all have to be bad.
For example, digital technology has the ability to address some of the challenges of access to mental health care for people of all ages.
So many fun outside activities exists for your kids to enjoy.
Screen Time Recommendations for Children
Other than mental health concerns, too much screen time can cause sleep problems, lack of creativity, low academic performance, and bad behavior in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ provide screen time recommendations for children.
- Don’t use screen time as a way to calm your child down or as a babysitter.
- For children under 18 months old, no screen time.
- Reduce the amount of time spent watching educational programs for children between 18 – 24 months.
- For children between ages 2-5 years, reduce non-educational programs to 1 hour per weekday and 3 hours during weekends.
- Incorporate healthy screen habits for children between ages 6 and older.
- Use the screen to build creativity and togetherness with family and friends.
- Help your child learn other activities like music, arts, and sports that do not involve a screen.
Alternatives to Screen Time for Children
When you are in a pinch it’s easy to rely on devices to entertain your children. For the parents who are interested in trying to limit their children’s screen time, here are a few fun alternatives.
Go Outside
Enjoy the great outdoors. So many fun outside activities exists for your kids to enjoy. Things like chalk, jump rope, hide and seek, rollerblading, picnics, scavenger hunts, and tag are great outside games. Playing outside helps keep your kids active which supports their health. It also allows them to enjoy nature and learn to appreciate the environment.
Get Creative
Creativity breeds creativity. Encourage your children to try a new craft project. There are even subscription kits you can order that deliver a new craft to your door each month. Playing with legos for boys or jewelry making for girls is a great way to stretch their creative minds.
Learn a New Skill
Learning a new skill doesn’t have to be another activity mom has to drive the kids to. Simply go to the library and check out a book on knitting or outdoor survival skills, or whatever else your children show interest in. The possibilities are endless.
Read
Here is another reason to go to the library. Teach your children to love reading and they will see a whole new world open up before them. Reading is not only educational, it can be fun too. Read together as a family when your children are young or try and do reading challenges when they get older.
Prioritize Family Time and Imaginative Play
Try to have a good balance of dedicated family time where you play together. It could be before bed snuggles for young ones or a weekly game night with your teens. For young kids, prioritizing imaginative play will help them grow creatively. To be honest, it’s okay for your children to be bored from time to time.
