Technology is everywhere and unavoidable. Screens, whether on a phone, iPad, TV or laptop, have become an integral part of our daily lives, commanding our attention for hours each day. The use of screens to educate and entertain children begins early, and some companies even market shows and games that require screen time to infants. What are the effects of technology on our children? The consensus among experts is clear: excessive technology use is negatively impacting our children’s health, and the repercussions of too much screen time are concerning.
"Therapists have seen a vast increase in the use of screens by children and adults. Often, they become a form of easy entertainment or distraction. While they are an inevitable part of our lives, we must strive to find a balance. Children need to grow and develop away from a screen, and adults must help be that example,” said Ashley Cochran, physical therapy assistant at Blount Memorial Pediatric Rehabilitation. The overuse of technology can be attributed to sleep disruption, obesity and physical changes, delays in learning and social skills, poor academic performance, behavioral concerns, and delays in social and emotional development. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to insufficient and poor-quality sleep. Sedentary behavior associated with screen time contributes to obesity and related health issues.
Excessive screen time can hinder the development of essential learning and social skills in children. The distraction of screens can negatively impact academic achievement, and increased screen time is linked to attention issues, hyperactivity and other behavioral problems. Another alarming trend is showing excessive technology use can impede the development of emotional intelligence and social skills.
While there are no universally agreed-upon rules, general guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics offer a helpful framework. Children younger than 18 months should have no screen time. For children younger than 2 years, parents or guardians should co-view with the child. Children between 2 and 5 years should have less than one hour of screen time per day. For children older than 5 years, screen time should not displace physical activity or sleep.
Parents and guardians play an important role in modeling healthy screen habits and regulating screen time. One effective strategy is to delay the introduction of screens and resist the urge to introduce them too early. It also is important to actively monitor your family’s screen time, engaging in honest discussions with older children about their technology use. Establish clear boundaries with your children for screen time. For example, enforce no screens one hour before bed; create tech-free zones in the home, such as the dinner table and bedrooms; implement no-tech days once a week; or allow screens only in shared areas of the house. Encouraging healthy habits and promoting activities, such as sports, art, music, nature exploration and adequate sleep, can help reduce screen time. "Limiting screen time in children is not just about restricting access, but about opening children up to experiences that will help shape who they become as young adults,” Cochran explained.
Balancing technology use with physical activity, social interaction, and other enriching activities will help children navigate our tech-filled world in a healthier way and create well-rounded individuals. For more information on managing screen time and promoting healthy habits, consult your pediatrician.
All Blount Memorial Total Rehabilitation locations are equipped to assess and treat various conditions. To make an appointment, please call 865-238-6118.
