A generation of device dependent children

The latest phrase in parenting has to be ‘screen time’.

Today’s children are bombarded by electronic devices and spend far more time on them than we realize.

But what is more frightening is a generation that would rather hide behind their phones than speak to one another on the playground.

Umhlanga-based Clinical Psychologist Joanne Goss believes it is crucial to limit the time children spend on these devices.

“Studies show that an increase in screen time is associated with an increase in psychological problems in children.

Skills which are learnt and developed through social interaction suffer, such as body language.”

Goss believes that increased screen time can negatively affect family bonds.

“Too much screen time adversely affects listening abilities, the development of empathy in relationships and the experience of discussing and sharing thoughts, feelings and behaviors.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages the use of electronic devices by children younger than two and recommends limiting older children’s screen time to no more than one or two hours a day.

Too much screen time has also been linked to obesity, irregular sleep, behavioral problems, impaired academic performance, and desensitization to violence.

Your child’s total screen time might be greater than you realise.

Start monitoring it and talk to your child about the reasons for restricting it.

Explain screen time rules – and the consequences of breaking them.

Some simple steps to reduce screen time from the Mayo Clinic children’s health website:

* Eliminate background TV. If you are not actively watching it, turn it off.

* Keep TVs and computers out of the bedrooms. Keep them in a central place where you can monitor your child’s screen time.

* Set rules. Most children have limited free time. Do not let them spend all of it in front of a screen.

* Avoid using screen time as a reward or punishment. This can make it seem even more important to children.

* Help your child find other things to do, such as reading, playing a sport or helping with cooking.

* Set a good example. Be a good role model by limiting your own screen time.

* Unplug it. If screen time is becoming a source of tension in your family, unplug the TV, turn off the computer or put away the smart phones or video games for a while. You might designate one day a week or month as a screen-free day for the whole family.

* Plan what your child views. Instead of flipping through channels, seek quality videos or programming.

* Consider using parental control settings on your TV and computers. Preview video games and smartphone applications before allowing your child to play with them.