Over the past ten years, we've seen a rise in the creation of gadgets like tablets, smartphones, TVs, and laptops that require extensive screen use. Kids can use screen time to have fun or to learn. It is important to note that what affects a kid’s upbringing most is how they regulate their screen time. Therefore, let us treat this period like we would any other to promote good lifestyles among them. Here are five convincing causes why this orientation is worthwhile for children.
1- Encourages Positive Behavior
The major advantage of an approach that uses screen time as a privilege is that it encourages positive behavior. Children need to be made to understand that good behavior has to be displayed as a requisition for their screen time; alongside, beneficial actions achieved will help in the maturity and development of children. Rewards for good behavior can include time for screen activities after homework, chores, or being polite. This type of rewards-based response teaches the children to attribute their actions to their value and helps to inculcate a sense of responsibility. It also provides parents with a tangible way to reinforce positive behavior, making discipline more effective and meaningful.
2- Promotes Healthy Habits
Therefore, limiting screen time and setting a contrast to it as a privilege can contribute to promoting healthier habits in children. Excessive screen time has been linked to obesity in children, poor sleep, and eye problems. By reducing screen time, parents will finally get their child to indulge in otherwise significant activities that involve physical exercise, reading, and social interactions. By developing strong muscles and bones, enhancing cardiovascular health, and lowering stress, physical activity makes certain that the child's physical and mental fitness is maintained. Reading and social interaction enhance cognitive development and emotional intelligence. These activities will help children lead a balanced lifestyle that may support their overall growth as a child.
3- Improves Concentration and Attention
It has been quite a task for children to give attention and focus on something in the world of digital distraction. Then, too much screen time is pouring oil on the fire. So, it means too much screen time may really bring down the attention span of a child and hamper their concentration on work. Treating screen time as a privilege makes them accustomed to priorities and spending time on some tasks with no adversary attractions of electronic screens. This will help children develop greater time management skills and succeed in concentrating on academic and non-academic activities. With time, this can lead to firm enrichment in academic performance and success in all areas of life.
4- Fosters Creativity and Problem-Solving
When screens are not readily available at all times, children will entertain themselves through their imagination and creativity. This is likely to develop problem-solving skills and self-sufficiency in them. For example, creative drawing, block games, or imitation games involve children in imagination and cognitive processes. These could be fostered to provoke thinking in critical ways, problem-solving, or generating new ideas. This can make a child grow up to be more resourceful and independent by nurturing his creativity and problem-solving skills.
5- Social Skills Improved
Limiting screen time and making it a privilege would improve the social skills of a child. Sometimes, screens, especially those used for social media and gaming, replace face-to-face behavior that deprecates the social skills of the child. Children can learn how to interact with family members and peers more effectively and appropriately, which will equip them later in life to read social cues, express their feelings and thoughts, and establish meaningful relationships. These skills are fundamentally important for the success of children in their personal and professional lives.
Conclusion
To sum up, it is ostensibly clear that letting children know they are privileged to enjoy the screen has several effects on development; for one, it invites positive behavior, brings in healthy habits, enhances focus and attention, fosters creativity and problem-solving, and promotes social skills. In today's world, which is so dependent on screens, parents must be able to manage screen time well for their children to grow up as holistic individuals. Considering that parents will be able to help their children excel in the digital world while living healthy and ecologically in balance.
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Source:
(1) How and why you should limit screen time for kids – Children’s Health. https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/screen-time-guidelines.
(2) What do we really know about kids and screens?. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/cover-kids-screens.
(3) Parenting Children in the Age of Screens - Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/07/28/parenting-children-in-the-age-of-screens/.
(4) How to Explain Privilege to Kids: An Age-by-age Guide. https://raisingchildren101.com/how-to-explain-privilege-to-kids-an-age-by-age-guide/.
