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Almost every parent stresses out on how much time their child spends on the screen. Spending too much time on screens may have consequences and here are the RED flags to know if your child is addicted:
- Your child can’t control his/her screen use.
- Loss of interest in other activities.
- It preoccupies his/her thought.
- It interferes with their socializing.
- Cause serious family problems.
- Your child shows signs of withdrawal.
- His/Her intolerance is increasing.
- He/she’s deceptive about it.
- A screen is his/her a mood booster. 1
Too much screen negatively affects sleep, mood, schoolwork, activities, friendship, and family interactions.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric recommendations for media use, here are five tips for parents with children who have a screen dependency disorder
- For children younger than 18 months, avoid the use of screen media. Between 18 and 24 months, show high quality programming and watch it with them.
- For children aged 2 to 5 years, limit screen use to 1hour/day of high-quality programs. Parents should help them understand what they are exposed to.
- For children aged 6 and older: Place consistent limits on the time they spend using media and the types of media and make sure that it doesn’t take time from adequate sleep and physical activity.
- Set ground rules early and enforce them by designating media-free times together such as during dinner or while driving, as well as media free locations at home such as bedrooms.
- Stay in the conversation: Having ongoing communication about online safety. 2
Dr Monique Zgheib
Pediatrician
