0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

In This Article

How to limit screen time for children this summer vacation
73408

How to limit screen time for children this summer vacation

Experts advise ways parents can limit their child’s screen time and engage them in productive activities this summer vacation

Anita Baliga, a 34-year-old homemaker from Mangaluru, nostalgically remembers her childhood summer vacations in a joint family, where she never had to worry about finding something to do. “I would usually spend my time in the backyard with my cousins, playing and having fun. It was also easier for my parents to keep an eye on us,” she recalls. However, the mother of two sons, one in third grade and the other in first grade, does not see the same enthusiasm She, like many mothers wonders, how to limit screen time for children.

“Despite engaging them in extra-curricular activities outside of school, they still look forward to endlessly watching tv or playing on their phones. They get agitated if I try to stop them,” she says.


READ MORE :

Can swimming lessons improve asthma in children?

Why gentle parenting is the way to go

Sibling rivalry: What parents need to know

Your child’s slow-paced learning is okay


Effects of extended screen time

“For children of zero to two years old, screen time must be zero, unless the phone or iPad are used for video calling,” says Dr Deepa Mohan Sharma, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Bengaluru. “For children over two years, parents can set a time limit of one hour, provided they monitor content.” Dr Sharma emphasises that parents need to be aware of how extended screen time can cause developmental delay in children at an early age.

“Many kids were exposed to increased screen time during the pandemic, as their parents were working from home. This was unhealthy, as it led to speech and language delays in children,” Dr Sharma explains. Unrestricted screen time for older children could jeopardise their learning capabilities and cause health conditions like obesity, she warns. Experts also raise concerns about their eye health due to constant exposure.

Fun activities to limit screen time 

According to Tara Mehta, a counselling psychologist at SL Raheja Hospital in Mahim, Mumbai, when it comes to limiting screen time for children this summer vacation, it is better for parents to set a screen time limit for their children rather than being abrupt and forcing kids to stop using gadgets. “This way, the children will know how much screen time they are allowed and are engaged in activities that will help them grow during summer vacation,” she says.

Experts share a plan to help parents in engaging their children during their time at home during the holidays.

  • Plan an informative trip 

“By educating the child about the details or the history of the destination they are going to, you can pique their curiosity,” says Mehta. Experts advise that going to locations that can be both educational and enjoyable, such as zoos, museums and historical sites are interesting ways the child can learn outside the classroom.

  • Engage children in outdoor activities 

Dr Sharma advises parents to encourage their kids to do outdoor activities because it is good for their physical health. “Make sure kids enrol in summer camps or participate in sports. It’s crucial to interact with kids of different ages so that they can improve their social skills as well,” she says. “Even taking them to the parks and engaging them in outdoor activities will keep them active,” says Mehta.

  • Make enjoyable and educational DIY (Do-It-Yourself) projects

Experts believe that parents can work with them to develop engaging and educational projects for their kids. “If the child is interested in outer space and galaxies, parents can use craft supplies to help them build a solar system while teaching them about it,” she says.

  • Developing constructive hobbies 

As a result of their increased screen time, children are less likely to read as a hobby. Therefore, it is important that they inculcate such a habit by joining the library, explains Dr Sharma. She suggests making it a joint activity. “Read together and discuss the story with your child to build communication and bond.” In addition to reading, Mehta adds, “Kids can pursue other interests like singing, dancing, cooking and painting or even join workshops.”

  • Practising life skills and engaging in household tasks

Dr Sharma claims that when children help with household chores, they become more aware of their surroundings. “They can share the responsibility of cleaning the house with the parents,” she says. Making children develop life skills is also important at a young age, she adds. For example, parents can take their child to the bank and teach them about money management. They can make a shopping list of fruits and vegetables and take their children to the market. “This will help them develop motor skills by allowing them to recognise the various types of fruits and vegetables, as well as their colours and textures,” she says.

  • Using screen time for education 

Dr Sharma suggests using screen time to enhance their knowledge. “Parents can make them watch educational shows. They can also sign them up for online courses,” she says.

Takeaways 

  • Unrestricted, unmonitored and extended screen time can lead to speech and language delays in children. 
  • For limiting screen time for children, doctors suggest parents engage children in productive activities during summer vacations such as sports, attending workshops, DIY projects etc, to develop their social and motor skills.
  • Setting appropriate time limits, especially on gadgets, can help them not feel addicted to them and spend time participating in constructive activities.

Share Your Experience/Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Summit Registration

NOTE: The summit will be held at NIMHANS Convention Centre, Bengaluru.

Wellness Registration Form

-
-
-
Total Amount INR 3000
Trending

Articles

Article
Some couples consciously decide not to have children despite familial and social expectations, wanting to make the best of their relationship. Children should be had for their own sake, says psychotherapist Tasneem Nakhoda
Article
Insufficient consumption of heart-healthy foods can affect cardiovascular health. Experts discuss beneficial dietary choices
Article
Cycling and walking are both great cardiovascular activities that aid weight loss and keep various health conditions away. Pick one that suits your fitness goals and physical condition, say experts
Article
The risk of heart attacks and strokes for middle-aged, overweight people with high blood pressure is 35 percent higher compared to those with a healthy body weight 
Article
Summer drinks, though hydrating, can have excess sugar. Nutritionists suggest a few alternatives to keep the body temperature and sugar levels down
Article
Packed with protein, this recipe will help in weight management by keeping you full for a long time
Trending

Articles

Article
Some couples consciously decide not to have children despite familial and social expectations, wanting to make the best of their relationship. Children should be had for their own sake, says psychotherapist Tasneem Nakhoda
Article
Insufficient consumption of heart-healthy foods can affect cardiovascular health. Experts discuss beneficial dietary choices
Article
Cycling and walking are both great cardiovascular activities that aid weight loss and keep various health conditions away. Pick one that suits your fitness goals and physical condition, say experts

0

0

0

Web Stories 

0

0

0

0

0

0

Opt-in To Our Daily Healthzine

A potion of health & wellness delivered daily to your inbox

Personal stories and insights from doctors, plus practical tips on improving your happiness quotient

Opt-in To Our Daily Healthzine

A potion of health & wellness delivered daily to your inbox

Personal stories and insights from doctors, plus practical tips on improving your happiness quotient
We use cookies to customize your user experience, view our policy here

Your feedback has been submitted successfully.

The Happiest Health team will reach out to you at the earliest