Three Screen Time Fears Debunked
Three Screen Time Fears Debunked
Parenting in the modern age comes with its own set of challenges. In the current scenario, technology has become overpowering and widespread. Smart phones and gadgets have become as trend as well as a necessary evil for our kids. Kids have access to internet both inside and outside the homes. Earlier, the term “ screen time” was limited to television watching time but these days, there are all sorts of screens including: mobiles, tablets and laptop that kids have access to. So, the big discussion about screen time for children is very much valid.
In this write up, we shall be debunking three of the biggest screen time fears that parents have. There is no doubt that exposing kids to all sorts of screen with or without internet, has its own set of benefits and challenges. Let us accept one thing that it is practically impossible to keep your kids deprived of technology. So, try harnessing the power of technology in a positive way to improve your children’s lives.
Instead of being anxious about the hype about screen time on Smartphones, Ipads, X boxes and televisions being a “digital heroine” that turns children into “psychotic junkies.” Various studies and children psychologists have found that some of our greatest fears that parents have regarding screen time could actually act as insight as to how can technology be used a tool to boost intelligence, awareness, creativity and for emotional growth.
#1 “Screens make children passive and inactive.”
Parents worry that smartphones in hands of their kids is going to make them lazy and is going to somehow disrupt their childhood. This is true to some extent but you can help this situation by restricting the screen time to not more than Twenty minutes in one go. Get them moving by encouraging your kids to download dance related, music related or exercise related apps. Infact, with the right kind of guidance, screens can be used to benefit the intellectual growth of a child and to access what they are actually learning in a much better way than a standardised test.
#2 “Playing games on screens is a waste of time. “
If your child is spending a lot of time on screen playing games, use it as an opportunity to put them in a habit of playing interactive and educational games. Download games like: word puzzles, vocabulary games, about animals, their habitat or whatever correlates with their school curriculum and age-group. Studies suggest, that interactive games teach kids some important key skills.
#3 “These screens are isolating my child from me.”
Do not let the screens isolate your child from you. Try watching a television series or a fun movie with your children on weekends or whenever your schedule allows. After the movie, talk to them about their views, feelings, likes as well as dislikes. Engaging in meaningful and intelligent conversations is what makes the screen time a holistic experience for the entire family.
Let’s face it screens are not going anywhere. This generation is dependant on them so make the screen time of your children an educational and productive experience. While it is tough and challenging but with constant effort, you can achieve it.
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This is a very interesting take on a rather rampant issue. We cannot escape screen time in today’s day and age, so we must learn to channel it correctly.
This is a great way of turning the screen time into something more positive for the child and parents making it a win win situation for both
Cant Agree more with you here. Screens are not going anywhere, since we too are so dependent on them, we cant keep our kids away, its a holistic approach we need to follow
I am all for balance! Don’t believe in completely keeping them off the gadgets and at the same time, I try to ensure that don’t overuse it…I loved the debunking of myths.
That’s true. I cannot expect my child to have zero screen time, but I try to make it useful by downloading mindful games and stories which are interactive and involve family time.
Technology and its effects are not all bad. It needs to be harnessed properly. Nice to see you debunking some of the myths around this. Technology can be used effectively to educate, entertain and engage kids too.
True that. We have to use it well, because it’s not going anywhere.
I too believe in screen-free time to take care of my daughter. I am totally against playing games on the screen. Excellent write-up, thanks for sharing it with me.
Thanks Hema :).
It is very difficult to convert screen time for kids to positive habits. All above tips are so useful and fabulously written will surely try them.
This is a must read for everyone. Everything can be turned into a learning activity if guided rightly. It’s fun watching the screen together.
I just loved the blog, it was so helpful and insightful too, will definitely be sharing the same in my circle, a lot of mothers will find it useful for sure!
I agree with your post. It’s good to watch television series or a fun movie with children when ever we can. Can discuss views, feelings with them.
Totally agree with your points that instead of trying to keep the kids away from screen time we should let them have an educational time with the kid centric apps, games and series. It will be helpful in their development.
That is an amazing post I must say! We are just hearing about decreasing screen time everywhere! Obviously we need to do that, but kids don’t listen much to their parents! These tips would help many parents in converting screen time to fruitful time!
Screen time is not good for kids but the way you have described is a way too good. This way we can carry this in a positive manner..
You make a pertinent point. The ideas are good ones! We can convert screen time to be more than just mindless time-pass and instead help the kids learn and bond and make it a positive influence in their lives!