How much is the average screen time for Indian children?
Though specific data is unavailable, on average about 3 hours are spent on watching Television, and added together all types of screen time can add up to 5 to 7 hours per day. Computers can help children with their schoolwork. Surfing the Internet, too much time on Facebook, or watching YouTube videos is considered unhealthy screen time.
How can excess screen time affect your children?
It makes it difficult to be able to sleep well, it can cause anxiety and depression in children. It can increase the chances of gaining too much weight. It can lead to addiction to screening and can lead to various emotional disorders. One of the main is irritability. Children’s television (particularly cartoons), movies, music videos, and video games are potential sources of violent content and can lead to serious consequences.
How does watching television increase the chances of obesity?
Watching television is not time spent being physically active. TV commercials and other advertisements can lead to unhealthy food choices. Most of the food items advertised are rich in sugar, salt, fats, and carbohydrates. Individuals eat more while watching TV, specifically when they see food advertisements.
How to reduce screen time?
Ideally, TV and computers should not be a part of the bedroom. Avoid TV watching during meals or homework. Avoid eating during watching TV and computers or other devices. Decide which program to, Every modern technology needs to be used judiciously. Excess and improper viewing of Television, cell phones, tabs, and computers can negatively impact your physical and mental health. Children and young adults need to be made aware of the consequences of excess screen time. Watch and turn off the device after the program is over Be a good role model as a parent, decrease your own screen time to 2 hours. Challenge yourself by avoiding screen time for a week and instead spend time being physically active. Play digital games with children and adolescents to better understand what the games entail.
Can excess screen time affect your sleep?
Although many parents use TV to wind down before bed, screen time before bed can backfire. The light emitted from screens interferes with the sleep cycle in
the brain and can lead to insomnia.
Can excess screen time increase or cause cardiovascular disease?
There has been a sudden rise in young individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, and hypertension. Emotional and mental illnesses are also on the rise. Though most cardiovascular diseases are multifactorial, a sedentary lifestyle due to excessive screen time increases the risk multifold.
Is screen time in early childhood lead to health issues?
Emotional, social, and family issues are commonly linked to excess screen time. By limiting their emotional and social competence, children miss out on crucial developmental skill-building. It reduces the social acumen of children. They have a harder time interacting and socializing with peers and adults.
How to manage screen time?
Cut off-screen time at least two hours before bed. Do not allow screens in the bedroom at any time, especially at night. Be sure to move out. Engage in physical activity as much as possible. Avoid screens for purely recreational use. The more advanced the screen gadgets, the more expensive they become. The problems are not only monitory but also linked to your physical and emotional health.
