Is Your Child Screen Dependent?

In this technologically advanced century Screen dependency has become a global problem which not only affects the lives of children, but also the daily activities of adults.

The American Academy of Paediatrics has recommended a maximum screen time of sixty minutes for children between 2 to 5 years of age. It has also urged that parents should ensure that children below 2 years are not exposed to technology.

According to a recently conducted study, it has been found that children who spend a lot of time on smart phone devices tend to be sleepy and become less focused on their works. They have an extended sleep-time during the day leading to a poorer sleep cycle. As per studies, every quarter hour spent on a smart phone device, result in the loss of an hour’s sleep.

Another study found that the more time a child spends on a smart device, the longer it takes for their speech to develop.

Based on these findings, the excessive use of smart phone has been given the term ‘Screen Dependency Disorder’ and is closely associated with Internet Addiction Disorder.

The disorder exhibits a variety of symptoms including insomnia, headache, backache, weight gain or loss, eyesight problems and poor nutrition. Anxiety, feelings of guilt and loneliness are some of the emotional symptoms that children usually undergo. Many of those who suffer from the disorder develop a tendency to isolate themselves. They suffer from mood swings and agitation. This condition further causes withdrawal symptoms and a child’s lack of interest in outdoor activities.

In an e-mail interview withSmart Parenting, Avelino-Tandoc explains thatkids with SDD grab their device the moment they wake up and eat at the table with their eyes glued to the screen, playing games, watching shows, or manipulating apps.

For a child’s still-developing brain, having SDD can cause long-term effects. Brain damage is a dangerous possibility. A child’s brain can also develop certain structural differences. Children may develop lack of skills to organise, plan or prioritise leading to low empathy or values.

Involving children more into outdoor games, reading books and different form of arts and spending quality time with them may prevent their over indulgence into screen devices and gadgets. Parents should be around their children when they browse websites and watch videos. They should encourage children to keep their screen time minimum and help them to develop hobbies involving less technologies.