We are raising the screen generation – for children today, TVs, computers, gaming devices, tablets and cellphones are part of everyday life. Much of how they socialise, learn and have fun takes place via a screen. There’s simply so much to do – from reading and researching to online gaming and role playing.
Our everyday screens have positive potential for fun and learning, but how much screen time is too much screen time?
There certainly are health risks associated with excessive amounts of time in front of screens, or use devices inappropriately, including:
- Addiction to gaming – scientific studies have showed that electronic gaming activities the same are of the brain as addictive drugs such as cocaine
- Electronic exploits can give children and teens a false sense of achievement
- Screen time can have a negative impact on sleep
- Excessive electronics use can make kids moody, and even depressed
- Too much time spent sedentary in front if a screen puts children at risk of obesity, diabetes and inhibit muscle growth
- Spending too much time online or in front of a screen prevent children from engaging in other activities
As parents, teachers and guardians, it’s up to us to help children stay safe and healthy as they get the most from these technologies. Key to this is helping them develop healthy screen habits from an early age, and encouraging them to partake in screen time in moderation so that they can lead balanced lives.
In this section of the site, we’ll unpack the different devices and screens our children use and how we can go about fostering positive screen time habits.
