14/07/2024
🌹THE INFLUENCE OF DIGITAL DEVICES ON CHILDREN: BALANCING PARENTAL GUIDANCE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF UNRESTRICTED SCREEN TIME
In today’s digital age, children are surrounded by electronic media and gadgets, from smartphones and tablets to smart TVs. While these devices offer numerous benefits, such as access to information and entertainment, excessive screen time can have detrimental effects on children’s physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing.
🌹MY EXPERIENCE AS A COUNSELLOR
As a school’s counsellor, I have encountered and worked with numerous pupils who have had unrestricted access to phones and screen time. Some of my experiences and observations with these pupils are; the use of foul languages, unhealthy relationships (writing and exchanging love notes that expresses feelings and emotions) with the opposite s*x, cyberbullying, poor reading/study habits, incomplete assignments and projects, etc. After much interaction with the children, a good number of them attributed these vices to their exposure to phones and screen time featuring adult content.
THE RISK OF UNRESTRICTED SCREEN TIME
Excessive screen time has been linked to various negative effects on children, including:
Decreased attention span and academic performance.
Increased risk of addiction and mental health issues.
Sleep disturbance and fatigue.
Cyberbullying and online safety risk etc.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PARENTAL GUIDANCE
Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s relationship with digital devices, by providing guidance and setting boundaries, parents can help their children harness the benefits of technology while minimizing its harmful consequences.
STRATEGIES FOR BALANCING PARENTAL GUIDANCE WITH SCREEN TIME
Set age-appropriate limits: Establish screen time boundaries based on your child’s age and individual needs.
Encourage responsible behaviour: Teach children to prioritize tasks, avoid multitasking, and take regular breaks.
Monitor Usage: Utilize parental control software and apps to track screen time and block inappropriate content.
Foster alternative activities: Engage children in sport, hobbies, and creative pursuits to promote diverse interests.
Lead by example: Model healthy screen use habits yourself, as children often mimic parental behaviours.
CONCLUSION
By being aware of the potential risks and taking steps to mitigate them, parents can help their children navigate the digital world in a way that is both fun and safe. By setting clear boundaries and encouraging responsible behaviour, parents can help their children develop healthy digital habits that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Vivian Brown
