Growing up in a house acquainted with devices demands a great deal of effort to keep children away from the use of electronic Screens. Children get so attracted to these gadgets that they become experts on the smartphone long before they get familiar with reading and writing. It is very common these days for parents to use the screens to keep their child busy when they are out or engaged in some work.
Screens with Their Adverse Effects
Introducing interactive screen in children’s routines below three years of age is not only damaging to the child’s emotional development but also deteriorates the skills required for science and math.
The effects may not incur right at the time of using screens but may affect the mental ability of a child later on. Moreover, if a child is exposed to the screen for more than an hour a day, their problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to develop empathy, is also damaged. The skills which are yet to be developed in a childlike social interaction etc become feeble and with the passage of time vanish completely.
There are numerous programs on television e.g. Sesame Street and electronic books for early learning which have helped children expand their vocabulary and enhanced their reading comprehension but only when children are quite close to the school-going age. But this is just one small upshot concerning the use of the screen in children; electronic screens mainly bring hazardous effects to a child’s life.
It is an alarming situation
It is time now that these devices are replaced with hands-on action such as building blocks and other constructive activities. Such activities not only regulate motor skills of a child but also develop skills important for the learning of science and math application.
Researchers have repeatedly warned that using a screen to divert a child’s mind is detrimental to the social and emotional development of a child’s personality.
If the parents continue to soothe their children with such devices, these children will never be able to build the mechanism of self-regulation.
Here are a few tips for parents to lessen the dependence of their child on the screens:
Set an example. Children look up to their parents.
Stop using a screen at least in front of your child.
Be the strict parent.
Guide them how it is going to drain all smartness from them.
Limit the time of using a screen and follow rigidly.
Plan other activities for your children - it could be a pool party or inviting your child’s friends over.
Play with your kids - give them your time.
