In the current digital era, screens are found in everything from TVs and game consoles to smartphones and tablets. Even though technology presents educational benefits, parents and medical professionals throughout the world are becoming increasingly concerned about excessive screen time.
Since extended screen time affects a child's physical health, brain development, emotional intelligence, and social conduct, it is imperative to comprehend its impacts. The best child hospital in Thane, as well as pediatric professionals at any major child clinic in Thane, frequently advocate balanced screen time and parental supervision as critical stages toward healthy growth.
The 10 reasons why screen time is bad to kids, how it affects different areas of development, and what parents can do to find a healthy balance are all covered in this blog.
Although screen time is becoming more and more common in work, education, and entertainment, excessive use is associated with physical health problems like obesity and poor sleep as well as mental health problems like elevated anxiety and depression.
The overall amount of time spent on digital devices, such as computers, video games, televisions, tablets, and smartphones, is referred to as screen time. A child's general wellbeing may suffer if they engage in too many screen activities, even though some, like educational videos or digital reading, might be helpful.
The phrase is used to quantify screen-based, sedentary activities like internet surfing, video game playing, and video streaming.
As a result of recent technological advancements, young people are using screens more frequently, which has a negative impact on their mental health and general well-being and coincides with a decline in their time spent in nature.
Digital gadgets are now a necessary part of everyday life due to modern lifestyles, online education, and entertainment platforms. Particularly for younger students, the COVID-19 epidemic significantly increased exposure to digital media. Pediatricians at Thane's best child's hospital caution that excessive screen time throughout early life can impact behavior patterns and brain development.
Children who spend too much time on screens suffer from difficulties like poor physical health, irregular sleep patterns, and severe effects on their mental and social development, which include heightened chances of behavioral issues, anxiety, and obesity.
Frequent awakenings, trouble falling or staying asleep, and a lack of energy are signs of poor sleep quality, which can cause daily fatigue and concentration problems. Stress, an uncomfortable sleeping environment, bad sleep habits, and underlying medical disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea can all contribute to it.
Overuse of screens, particularly right before bed, throws off the body's normal sleep schedule. The hormone that controls sleep, melatonin, is suppressed by the blue light that gadgets emit. Youngsters may have trouble falling asleep or may wake up a lot during the night.
Experts at Thane's child clinic recommend creating a "no-screen zone" at least an hour before bedtime to support healthy sleep patterns.
Both environment and genetics influence brain development, with early connections and experiences having a significant impact. Loving relationships and stimulating surroundings have positive effects, whereas stress, neglect, or exposure to toxins have negative effects. Building a good brain architecture requires elements like play, nourishment, and responsive interactions.
The brain develops quickly in the early years of life. According to studies, extended screen time can have an impact on cognitive processes like learning, memory, and attention.
When children are overstimulated by fast-paced digital entertainment, they become less able to concentrate on slower, more practical skills like reading or solving problems. This is among the top 10 reasons why screen time is bad to developing brains.
Inactivity, or a lack of physical activity, weakens bones, muscles, and the immune system and raises the risk of obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, several types of cancer, and poor mental health. Hormonal abnormalities, decreased cardiovascular function, weight gain, and muscle loss are among the health impacts.
Kids who use electronics for extended periods of time are more likely to be sedentary. The risk of obesity, weak muscles, and bad posture rises with inactivity.
The best child hospital in Thane recommends at least 60 minutes of physical play per day. Outdoor activities not only boost fitness, but they also promote creativity and social contact, which screens cannot replace.
Eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a condition that is mainly brought on by extended usage of digital screens or reading. It manifests as headaches, dry eyes, and blurred vision.
Computer vision syndrome, another name for eye strain, is a disorder mostly caused by prolonged use of digital screens or reading. Blurred vision, dry eyes, and headaches are some of its symptoms.
Early detection and treatment of digital eye strain are facilitated by routine eye exams at a reputable Thane child clinic. Encourage kids to observe the 20-20-20 rule, which states that they should gaze away for 20 seconds at anything 20 feet away every 20 minutes.
When a child doesn't reach communication milestones at the anticipated age, it's known as delayed speech and language development. This can include problems with language comprehension and usage (language delay) or sound production (speech delay).
Excessive screen time deprives toddlers of face-to-face conversation time, which is essential for language acquisition. The developmental advantages of talking, reading, and storytelling are greater than those of passive screen involvement, like as viewing videos.
One of the most important but often ignored reasons why screen time is bad to young children is the absence of vocal engagement. Instead of giving toddlers electronics, pediatricians recommend interactive play or reading aloud to them.
Mental health disorders such as ADHD, bipolar illness, and conduct disorder, as well as environmental factors including exposure to violence, unstable families, or a lack of good emotional management skills, can all contribute to behavioral issues and aggression.
Numerous studies suggest that youngsters who are exposed to violent video games or television programs for extended periods of time exhibit aggressive conduct and irritability. When screens are removed, overstimulation can also lead to hyperactivity and annoyance.
Parental supervision and the usage of parental control settings to restrict improper content are stressed by experts at Thane's best child's hospital.
A fall in grades and accomplishment due to a variety of circumstances, such as bad study habits, disinterest, health problems, environmental distractions, family concerns, learning disabilities, and emotional difficulties like stress, worry, or low self-esteem, is referred to as poor academic performance.
Children who are addicted to digital entertainment frequently find it difficult to focus on their academic work. They could struggle to participate in class, finish their homework, or remember material.
It's critical to strike a balance between recreational and educational screen time. Online study resources and educational apps are only useful when utilized sparingly and under adult supervision.
Even if a person does not experience loneliness, social isolation—the objective lack of social interaction and support from others—can have detrimental impacts on their mental and physical health. It is not the same as loneliness, which is the personal experience of feeling isolated or alienated.
Ironically, despite the fact that digital devices bring people together all over the world, they might actually cause social disconnection in kids. Children that spend more time online frequently have difficulties with empathy, teamwork, and communication in the real world.
Of the 10 reasons why screen time is bad to children's emotional health, this isolation can result in anxiety, despair, and low self-esteem, marking yet another important factor.
Chronic discomfort in the shoulders, neck, and back can result from musculoskeletal problems caused by poor posture, such as joint strain, spinal misalignment, and muscle imbalances. This can hasten joint deterioration over time, raise the risk of diseases like osteoarthritis, and result in problems like herniated discs.
Children who spend hours slumped over screens may develop shoulder, neck, and back problems. The spine and growing muscles are strained by the habit of slouching or sitting with bad posture.
To avoid long-term physical discomfort, encourage short pauses, stretching, and screen use while sitting in the right position. Pediatric physicians at Thane's child clinic frequently detect posture-related issues in children who spend a lot of time on screens.
Like all addictions, emotional dependence is actually regarded as an illness. In fact, emotional reliance renders you psychologically unable of imagining a life without the other person, without their approval or sharing of their opinions with you.
In fact, emotional dependence is considered a disease, just like any other addiction. In actuality, emotional dependence makes it virtually impossible for you to envision your existence without the other person, without their consent, or without them expressing their thoughts to you.
Self-control, sleep, and interpersonal connections are all impacted over time by this addiction. In the best child hospital in Thane, parents should keep an eye out for warning signs such as irritability, a decline in interest in hobbies, or lying about screen time.
In general, excessive screen time is defined as more than one to two hours per day for children and more than two hours per day for adults (excluding work and school). Age, lifestyle, and needs all influence the optimal dosage, however overuse is associated with adverse consequences such eye strain, disturbed sleep, and mental health problems.
While adults (18–64) require 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week in addition to twice-weekly muscle-strengthening activities, children aged 5–17 should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day.
By enhancing coordination, response time, and joint stability, balance promotes physical stability and mobility and reduces the risk of falls and accidents. Additionally, it is essential for mental and emotional health, which promotes independence and improves quality of life.
Screen time isn't always bad. Learning can be improved by participatory family viewing, educational programs, and artistic endeavors. Age-appropriate content, supervision, and balance are crucial.
For holistic development, the best child hospital in Thane suggests "digital wellness plans" that incorporate offline creative, social, and physical activities.
If you notice behavioral issues like anger, hyperactivity, or severe focus problems, or if you notice developmental delays like speech delays.
Persistent melancholy or excessive concern, abrupt behavioral or emotional changes, social disengagement, deteriorating academic performance, sleep or eating issues, and self-harm or mention of self-harm are all indicators that a child may require professional help.
Consult a professional if you observe any of the following symptoms:
Pediatricians at Thane child clinic and specialists at Thane's best child hospital can determine whether your child's screen use is causing physical, emotional, or developmental problems.
The best thing about professionals is that they thoroughly examine your current landscape and test it in every manner to find any problems or weaknesses that require immediate attention.
Professionals in child health can:
Technology is not wholly good or bad, and it is here to stay. Excessive and unmonitored use is the issue. The 10 reasons why screen time is bad make it abundantly evident how excessive use impacts a child's behavior, sleep, education, and emotional well-being.
By striking a balance between screen time and play, creativity, and in-person engagement, parents can help their children develop healthy digital habits. For professional advice and comprehensive care for persistent disorders including eye impairments, behavioral abnormalities, or developmental delays, contact the best child hospital in Thane or the closest child clinic in Thane.
Keep in mind that the best ways to support your child's success in the digital age are moderation, awareness, and meaningful interaction.
1. How much screen time is appropriate for children?
Pediatric doctors advise that children between the ages of 6 and 12 should not spend more than two hours a day on recreational screens.
2. Can my child's eyesight be impacted by screen time?
Indeed. Digital eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision can result with prolonged exposure. For an assessment of your eye health, speak with a pediatrician at a Thane child clinic.
3. When should I see a doctor about issues with screens?
See the best child hospital in Thane for medical guidance if you observe physical concerns like eye strain or neck pain, impatience, or trouble sleeping.
