The Harmful Effects of Excessive Screen Time for Kids

Is Too Much Screen Time Bad for Kids?

Parents hear a lot about how screen time affects children (and adults, too), but how unhealthy is it, really?

And how much screen time, is too much?

At our house my three kids play devices maybe once or twice a week while we’re waiting at a sibling’s sports practice or I take a work call, but we keep devices in a high cabinet out of reach and don’t watch television every day.

This changes based on whether and the season (i.e., snow storms and being stuck inside or spring break and needing a break from one another), but my husband and I are on the same page about one thing.

Being outside and physical activity always comes before any electronic use. 

We both came to the same conclusion after reading several articles to curb our own electronic usage, and decided it was equally important, if not more, for our kids.

But, before you decide to lay down any ground rules on screen time at your home, let’s first talk about the connection between screen time and adverse effects it has on sleep, vision, physical health, mental health, and friendships and family relationships once you exceed the 60 minute threshold of daily usage.

Dangers Inside of Social Media Apps & Internet Programs

It’s hard to say what’s the right age for allowing your child to be on social media, but you can bet they’ll want to use the same apps and social networks as their friends to connect outside of school.

After all, social media like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat have become a major part of modern communication.

There are many reasons social media can be safe and fun, but there are also plenty of reasons why it can be a dangerous playground for kids, younger children and teens.

No matter the age of children, it’s important to establish and follow important rules for social media safety.

Establishing Daily Screen Time Limits for Kids

Scientists have found a clear tipping point where daily screen time teeters into negative consequences.

They found that children who use electronics for one hour or less daily, have the same well-being, as well as normal level of anxiety and depression, as children who weren’t exposed to screens at all during the day.

One hour per day spread between television, tablets, phone usage, gaming systems and even portable entertainment centers in your car.

60 minutes, that’s all you have before unhealthy psychological effects becomes harmful to sleep, physical and mental well-being and even the connection you have with your child.

1) Set Family Rules With Electronics

You might have noticed that telling your child to turn off his video game or step away from his kindle, won’t do anyone any good but incite an argument or disgruntled child.

It’s important for you to set healthy limits on your electronics use for your own sake, as well as your child’s sake.

Here are a few rules you might want to establish to curb daily screen time:

• No digital devices during family meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner
• No screen time in the car
• No screen time when you have visitors or family over
• No screens allowed in bedrooms or bathrooms
• No electronics use during family nights
• No electronics allowed unless homework is finished and chores are completed

2) Take a Once-a-Week digital Detox

Consider a once-a-week digital detox for the whole family. Establish one day a week – we like to do Sundays because its a day we can always spend together as a family – and have a screen-free day where everyone commits to unplugging and keeping the television off all day long.

A digital detox is good for everyone’s physical, mental and emotional health, as well as your family’s connections. 

3) Laying the Groundwork for Screen Time Limits

Here are suggestions to setting limits and a full article on how to establish screen time rules without a fight. The sooner you establish ground rules, and stick with them (this is the most important part), the easier they become to follow when they’re a hard rule.

• Model moderate screen use for your kids. Children will always follow behavior, instead of what you tell them to do. If you’re on your phone or computer all the time, they’ll follow your lead.  Show your children, by using your own behavior, how to live a rich and healthy life where habits are practiced in moderation.

• Stop all electronic use at least one (1) hour before bedtime.

• Set a limit on daily screen time. Make it clear to your kids and stick to it.

• Set timers on devices to shut off once the screen time limit has been hit.

• Turn off your home’s Wi-Fi after a certain time of day (for example, turn off Wi-Fi after 7pm so everyone in the home is device-free.)

• Don’t allow electronics in kid’s bedrooms or the bathroom – only use them in common areas or one designated spot where others are. Behind closed doors is where inappropriate interactions and pictures happen!

• Establish screen-free zones: no smartphone use for anyone in the family in the car, for example, at restaurants, or at the dinner table.

• Devices can be used after chores, homework, reading, playing outside, physical activity and other means of learning and activity have been explored. The point is to spend less time overall on devices and find other ways to spend your time without electronics in hand.

• Give kids developmentally appropriate activities such as coloring, playing with toys, building, riding their bike, playing with friends, before devices are ever used as an entertainment option.