We all do our best to limit the amount of screen time our kids have. The Mayo Clinic suggests that children under the age of 2 should have no screen time, children between 2 and 12 can have an hour of screen time a day, and teens and young adults can have up to two hours. Many parents, however, wonder about the benefits of limiting kids’ screen time. We’ve broken down the pros and cons of restricting screen time for your children.
Pros of Limiting Screen Time
Time for Other Activities: Restricting screen time allows children to engage in activities like reading and exercising, promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Better Eye Health and Fewer Headaches: Reducing screen exposure can prevent eye strain and headaches associated with prolonged screen use.
Increased Awareness of Surroundings: Limiting screen time encourages children to be more present and attentive to their environment, enhancing their safety and social awareness.
Cons of Limiting Screen Time
Educational Requirements: With the rise of remote learning, screens have become essential for education. It’s important to balance educational screen time with recreational use.
Potential Jealousy Among Siblings: Older children may have more screen time privileges, leading to jealousy among younger siblings. Clear communication about these differences is crucial.
Missed Learning Opportunities: The internet offers valuable educational content. Overly strict screen time limits might restrict access to beneficial learning resources.
Steps to Take When Allowing Screen Time
While screen time in moderation can be beneficial, there are steps you must take to ensure your child is safe both from both strangers on the internet and vision strain from the screen itself. Some of these steps include:
- Avoiding screens at night: Blue light from smartphones and tablets affects how our body produces melatonin, the hormone that makes us tired. Too much screen time at night can see your child up for hours past their bedtime.
- Supervising your children: There’s content on the internet and app stores that’s not appropriate for children, which is why it’s always important to keep an eye on their search history. You should also set a password so your children can’t download every app they see.
Partaking in a few of these simple steps can significantly increase your child’s safety and well-being when it comes to screen time.
Turn Off the Screens at Frogbridge Day Camp
After an abnormal year filled with screen time as a result of remote learning, put the phones, laptops, and tablets away and sign your kids up for a summer at Frogbridge Day Camp! Across our 86 acres, campers can enjoy various outdoor activities like fishing, archery, and swimming.
If you’ve never experienced the wonders of our camp, we encourage you to book a private tour. We’re following all proper government guidelines, including social distancing and requiring face coverings when visiting our camp. Call (609) 795-7209 or complete a contact form to schedule your tour today!