Screen Time Guidelines For Children | WHO Info | Consequences | Tiny2Teens Health

Following screen time guidelines for children is highly necessary. So, if your children is having more screen time, then this article is for you!! 

Digital screens have really become a great addiction for all age groups of people. Sad thing is children are having more addiction and so facing too many consequences.

Blog Contents

  1. Screen Time & Children 
  2. Consequences Of Too Much Screen Time 
  3. WHO Screen Time Guidelines For Children Under 5
  4. How To Setup Screen Time Guidelines For Children
  5. Dr.Srimukhi Anumolu | Best Pediatrician In Vijayawada
  6. Final Conclusion 

Above are the blog contents framed in this article. Read the complete article without any skip. 

Screen Time & Children

Unlike earlier, at present we have a number of screens including smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, TVs, and computers. Therefore Children and adolescents spend a lot of time watching screens.

Of course, screens can entertain, teach, and keep children occupied. However, too much usage may lead to problems no matter what. Moreover, Parents may not always know children’s screen activity, or how much time they are spending with screens. 

Children may be exposed to:
  • Violence and risk-taking behaviors
  • Videos of stunts 
  • Challenges that may inspire unsafe behavior
  • Sexual content
  • Negative stereotypes
  • Misleading or inaccurate information

So it is very important to follow screen time guidelines for children to save them from high risks. 

Consequences Of Too Much Of Screen Time In Children

Studies have shown that being sedentary can have significant developmental consequences among the children. However, below are the few of the consequences

  • Children are less likely to have the fine motor skills
  • Reduced vocabulary, communication skills and eye contact
  • Developmental delays are noticed with increased device use
  • Attention, decision-making and cognitive control are reduced.
  • Problem solving and creativity also suffers with too much of screen time 
  • Psychiatric disorders are reported

By the above consequences we can understand that excessive screen time can cause not only eye problems but also other developmental issues. Health experts from different countries have stated that screen time is the major reason why children are not developmentally ready for starting school. Moreover it also affects the parent and child relationship.

WHO Screen time guidelines For Children Under 5

The World Health Organization (WHO) is recommending children under age 5 spend one hour or less on digital devices. And for those who are under age 1 spend no time at all on a daily basis.

It recommends children should spend more time engaged in physical activity and getting enough sleep. 

Here are WHO screen time guidelines for children under 5
  1. Infant (less than 1 year of age): Screen time is not recommended.
  2. 1-2 years of age: No screen time for a 1-year-old. Not more than an hour for 2-year-olds, with less time preferred.
  3. 3 to 4 years old: Not more than one hour.

All the parents are advised to follow these guidelines and plan accordingly to save your children from developmental issues.

Know More

How To Setup Screen Time Guidelines For Children

Generally it is really hard to limit our children’s screen time as they habituate it to a lot. So we are not sure where to start with screen limits and boundaries.

Don’t worry, here are a few guidelines that may be useful

  • Turn off all screens a half hour to an hour before bedtime.
  • Use parental controls when necessary to limit the content younger children can watch
  • Restrict electronic devices during the dinner and other family times
  • Make your children complete chores, homework, and other activities first
  • Help them understand how less screen time is healthier both physically and mentally
  • Let them stay engaged with new activities every time
  • Every family member should spend some quality time with your children

I hope these points will definitely help you in setting screen time guidelines for your children. Check out the conclusion to know how you can make screen time the best time. 

Dr.Srimukhi Anumolu | Best Pediatrician In Vijayawada

If you are looking for the best pediatrician in Vijayawada, then consult Dr Srimukhi Anumolu @ www.tiny2teenshealth.com and she does offline consultations at Ankura Hospital For Women & Children, Vijayawada.

10+ years experience in treating infants to teenagers. Being a mother of a 9 year old, I always suggest the best solutions for your children’s health issues.

You can visit my website to get complete information about me. Also, follow my Instagram & YouTube Channel for genuine information. I will share common health problems and their solutions through these channels.

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