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There’s no denying that today’s generation of young people have developed a strong relationship with their digital devices. This has prompted a lot of research and debate, with the key question being whether or not too much screen time is harmful for children. Of course, it’s clear that hours of sedentary behaviour for anyone can have a detrimental effect on their physical and mental health, but is it also harming a child’s ability to learn? I have teamed up with an independent school in Oxfordshire to explore further.
As a parent, determining what is a ‘healthy’ amount of screen time is not easy. There are obviously many benefits to modern technology and it’s up to you to decide whether or not your child is using their digital devices in a beneficial way. Are they still getting plenty of exercise and socialising with others or do they spend most of their time lounging around on their phone? If they seem to have become a bit of a hermit, it might be time to step in and limit their screen time so that they are engaging in other activities as well. If possible, you could suggest that they join an extra-curricular club.
Healthy lifestyle choices, such as engaging in physical activity, getting enough sleep and spending time with loved ones, will help your child perform well in school. On the other hand, if they have become lazy and distracted at the hand of their tech, their grades will suffer. The phrase “everything in moderation” is true of screen time so don’t feel like you have to ban your child completely. Establishing certain rules, like no phones at the dinner table or after 8pm, is a better option. You should also talk to your child about the dangers of the internet and let them know that they can talk to you if they ever feel uncomfortable or threatened by something they have seen online.
You know your child better than anyone, so only you can decide if their screen use has become dangerous. Research is inconclusive, so trust your gut when setting boundaries and don’t feel as though you have to do something just because it’s what other parents are doing.
This is a collaborative post.
Welcome to Birds and Lilies! I'm Lou: mother, blogger and freelance writer. This is my lifestyle blog, where I talk about motherhood, infertility and IVF, beauty, my love for food and wine, as well as my thoughts about stuff, and our real-life and travel adventures.
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