In today's digital age, there is no way that we can survive without using screens. The increasing use of electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, from a young age, leads to addictiveness towards screens which may significantly impact children from an early age. Many parents across the world are worried about how to strike a balance between the benefits of technology and ensuring that children engage in activities that promote healthy growth.
Smartphone Use Among Children
In Brazil, the use of smartphones among children has seen a sharp increase. Studies reveal that many children have access to mobile devices from their early years, a trend driven by the widespread availability of educational applications and digital games. These digital tools, while often seen as useful for enhancing cognitive skills and introducing children to technology, also contribute to a significant rise in daily screen time.
Recent studies indicate that a staggering 70 per cent of Brazilian children between the ages of 3 and 6 use mobile devices daily. While these tools offer some educational value, excessive screen time can lead to physical, mental, and emotional health issues. For example, prolonged exposure to screens may make it harder for children to manage their emotions, in addition to fostering dependency on digital stimulation for entertainment. This dependency can interfere with natural social interactions and diminish children's ability to engage in face-to-face communication.
Recommended Screen Time for Children
In response to growing concerns over screen time, health and education experts have provided specific guidelines to help parents and educators manage children's use of electronic devices. These recommendations vary by age group to ensure that children engage in balanced, developmentally appropriate activities.
– Children up to 2 years old: The Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, as reported on the government portal gov. br, advises against any screen time for children under 2 years of age. Instead, the focus should be on real-world interactions and physical play, critical for healthy brain development and social skills. Introducing screens too early can hinder a child’s ability to engage with their surroundings and may impede language development.
– Children aged 2 to 5 years: For this age group, it is recommended that screen time be limited to no more than two hours per day. The goal is to strike a balance between technology use and physical activities, which are essential for motor skill development and socialization. Excessive screen time in this age group can reduce opportunities for creative play, physical exercise, and learning through direct human interaction, all of which are vital for early childhood development.
– Children aged 6 to 12 years: As children grow older, they are often exposed to more technology, including video games. However, it is recommended that screen time for this group not exceed three hours per day. Beyond this limit, there is a risk that excessive screen use may interfere with schoolwork, social relationships, and physical health. Children in this age group should have ample time for physical activities, reading, and other non-digital pursuits to foster a well-rounded lifestyle.
– Children over 12 years old: For teenagers, screen time should be adjusted according to individual needs and daily routines, but should generally not exceed three hours per day. It is especially important to monitor the content that teens are consuming, ensuring that it is age-appropriate and balanced with offline activities, such as physical exercise, hobbies, and social interactions. Overexposure to screens during adolescence can lead to problems with concentration, and sleep disturbances, and even contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, which has long-term health implications.
Despite these recommendations, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that only 25 per cent of children under the age of 2 and 33 per cent of children aged 2 to 5 adhere to the suggested screen time limits. This gap shows the need to promote healthy screen habits from an early age.
The Impact Of Excessive Screen Time On Eye Health
Research reveals that prolonged use of electronic devices can have serious consequences for eye health. One of the most common issues linked to excessive screen use is digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. This condition results from extended periods of focusing on a screen, causing symptoms such as dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and discomfort.
Children, in particular, maybe more vulnerable to these effects since their eyes are still developing. Constant screen use can cause children to blink less frequently, leading to dryness and irritation. Further, the blue light emitted by screens may disrupt sleep patterns, especially if children use electronic devices close to bedtime. This disruption can result in poor sleep quality, which can further affect their overall health and development.
Excessive screen time can also contribute to the rise of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. Research has shown a link between increased time spent indoors focusing on screens and a higher incidence of myopia. Encouraging outdoor play and limiting screen exposure, especially during critical developmental stages, can help reduce the risk of eye problems.