In the post-COVID era, screens have seamlessly integrated into our children’s lives – from the dinner table to car rides, shopping malls, and even bedtime. While screens offer children access to knowledge and entertainment, they come with potential hazards.
Doctor, what health hazards are linked with excessive screen time?
In clinics, we witness a rise in eyesight problems, speech delays, tantrums, attention deficits, and other developmental concerns among children with excessive screen time. This digital immersion takes a toll on mental health, contributing to anxiety, stress, and behaviour disorders. These hazards are on the rise in the post-COVID era, where screens have become inseparable from our children’s lives. Prolonged exposure can also lead to sedentary lifestyles, disrupted sleep patterns, and an increased risk of obesity.
Doctor, what is screen time and when is it considered safe?
Screen time encompasses the hours spent on digital devices like smartphones, laptops, tablets, and TVs. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry:
– Until 18 months, limit screen use to video chatting with an adult.
– Between 18 and 24 months, limit screen time to educational programming with an adult.
– For 2 to 5-year-olds, restrict non-educational screen time to 1 hour per weekday and 3 hours on weekends.
– For ages 6 and older, establish healthy habits, including screen-free mealtimes and removing screens from bedrooms 30-60 minutes before bedtime.
Doctor, how do we prevent the health hazards?
Parents and caregivers play a pivotal role. Digital literacy and education are crucial. Gadgets should be introduced after the age of 6, with limited screen time. Children below 6 should engage in social interaction and play.
Preventing digital hazards involves:
- Gradual reduction of screen time.
- Emphasizing quality content.
- Designating tech-free zones.
- Regularly monitoring and discussing screen activities with your child.
Doctor, if my child has developed health hazards, what should I do?
Seek medical attention for a diagnosis. Rehabilitation programs; tailored for paediatric age groups, involve parents in therapy sessions at home. Additional corrective steps include gradual reduction of screen time, ensuring quality content, establishing tech-free zones, and regular check-ins.
Doctor, who do I need to see in my child’s rehabilitation program?
Paediatric rehabilitation teams, comprising specialists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech therapists, collaborate to address cognitive, speech, or physical impairments.
Doctor, must my children see a psychiatrist for their mental health?
Occupational therapists can provide non-pharmacological management for anxiety, stress, and behaviour disorders related to screen hazards. Referral to a paediatric psychiatrist may be necessary in severe cases.
Doctor, my children attends to online classes. Any advice?
Practice the 20-20-20 rule and the 3Ls rule: 20 minutes of screen time followed by a 20-second break, maintaining a 20 feet distance, limiting screen use for revision, restricting screens in specific areas, and capping daily screen time at 2 hours.
In conclusion, our role in safeguarding our children extends beyond physical health to development and mental well-being. Proactive parents, combined with healthcare professionals, bear the responsibility of creating a healthy digital environment. Prevention remains superior to cure in this digitalized era.
This article is written by:
Dr Nurul Firdausi Binti Hasnol Basri, Rehabilitation Specialist and Lecturer in Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya
Dr Adilah Binti Rahim, Paediatric Trainee Lecturer in Faculty of Medicine, University Sains Islam Malaysia