Screen Time
What is Screen time?
For most of our children, this depends on their age group. Anything from television to phones or iPad and gaming consoles is defined as screen time.
Parents often think of technology as a distraction for their kids, but they also recognize it’s a tool for connection, but do most kids get a moderate amount of screen time? Since schools are closed parents claim screen time has increased by an average of one hour and it is quite hard getting your children out of this habit. Hey… If you can beat them, join them! How about making this experience positive? Here are some benefits of screen time:
- Educational
There are numerous apps for devices that teach children various skills and functions which helps them with cognitive skills, communication, and at times, stimulating the brains. If a child has homework to do, watching a video online or reading some research is essential to the completion of the assignment. YouTube for instance has become a go-to destination with vast knowledge of different essential subjects and DIY projects.
- Connection
Some benefits of screen time include providing a place for youth to connect with like-minded others, opportunities to explore interests and hobbies that aren’t available to one in real life, and keeping in touch with far-away friends and family especially during the pandemic.
- Tech skills
Children learning to use devices can help during need like an emergency at home. One of the basic skills when going for an interview is being computer literate and starting at a young age just gives you a head start for the future as children become more adept at using technology.
- Fun and healthy
Watching something entertaining that boosts your morale by laughing or performing activities that keep you fit and energetic is the perfect remedy for boredom.
MEC/MECHS has enabled positive screen time by offering online learning for pupils and students, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has turned out to be highly successful in challenging students to be more independent without falling behind on school work. One of the major advantages was being flexible and relaxed learning from a familiar environment. Here is a sample video featured by NTV https://fb.watch/4THHt5woqA/
All in all, parents should carefully monitor what their children are watching and limit what content they can access that is child-friendly educational material. Also, it is key to keep screen time in moderation as it causes eye fatigue and problems. A screen-related activity may be beneficial or harmful depending on who is doing it, how much they’re doing it when they’re doing it, and what they’re not doing instead. Keep in mind spending time with your child should always be a priority to see what they’re interested in and figure out how you can provide them with positive screen time choices.