Screen time is addictive in nature, with users often finding it difficult to step away from the screen. This can be particularly worrying as younger children may not have the self-control or maturity to regulate their own screen time usage. Schools in Gurgaon need to educate both parents and children about it.
Screen time can also affect a child’s physical development. It requires little physical activity and hours spent sitting down watching a screen can lead to weight gain. Research has also suggested that excessive exposure to screens can impact the development of poor eyesight in children, with blue light from the devices being linked to long-term damage.
Overall, it is clear that too much screen time can have negative impacts on a child’s physical and psychological health. Therefore, it is important for parents to ensure that their children have a healthy and balanced approach to technology use.
This includes setting clear boundaries on screen time, monitoring the type of content they are viewing and encouraging them to engage in other activities such as sports or reading. By doing so, parents can help create an environment where their children learn to use technology responsibly and reap the benefits it can offer.
By taking these steps, parents can help ensure that their children benefit from screen time without suffering any long-term harm.
Prolonged screen time can also lead to decreased physical activity, which further increases the risk of health issues.
Mental health: Research has shown that excessive screen time can lead to depression, anxiety, and behavioural problems in children. It has also been linked with lower self-esteem and a greater likelihood of developing problematic online behaviour such as cyberbullying or sexting.
Cognitive development: Too much screen time has been associated with poorer academic performance in children. This is because it affects attention span and can make it difficult for children to focus on their school work.
Furthermore, prolonged use of digital devices can negatively affect memory formation and problem-solving skills.
Social development: Excessive use of digital devices can lead to decreased social interaction with peers and family, as well as a greater risk of developing social anxiety. This is because children are more likely to engage in online activities than face-to-face communication.
Additionally, they may experience difficulty engaging in meaningful conversations or expressing their feelings appropriately when they don’t have enough practice in real life situations.
These are the reasons schools in Gurgaon need to take screen time seriously and take action both within and outside school.
