What is the right amount of screen time?

Children and teenagers spend a lot of time in front of displays, such as cellphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and televisions. Children aged 8 to 12 spend 4-6 hours a day viewing or using screens, while teenagers spend up to 9 hours. While screens can be used to entertain, educate, and keep children occupied, excessive use can cause problems.

Doctors are afraid that children will develop unproductive habits at an early age due to excessive screen time. As a result, standards encourage limited screen time for young children, gradually increasing as they become older.

Why Are Doctors Worried?

For years, doctors and other eye care specialists have been concerned about children’s media consumption, and that debate may never be settled. We all face issues with digital well-being, and social media challenges that celebrate harmful conduct don’t help. On the other hand, doctors are more concerned about what children do not do when they use a screen: moving.

The major issue is that screens encourage lethargic behavior. As a result, they advise their use to be restricted until children build good habits that are not dependent on video time or when their favorite television show airs.

Screen time limitations for children

It is suggested that children under the age of two avoid viewing television or utilizing other forms of electronic media.

Sitting and watching television and utilizing other electronic devices should be limited to one hour per day for children aged 2 to 5.

Limit motionless recreational screen usage for children and young people aged 5 to 17 years to no more than 2 hours per day.

How Much Screen Time Should Adults Have?

There are strict guidelines for how much screen time children should have, but what is the appropriate amount of screen time for adults? 

There is no magic number of hours for recommended screen time for adults, but there is ample evidence that excessive screen time is harmful to your health. A study discovered that those who spend six hours or more per day staring at screens have a greater risk of depression. In contrast, this study discovered that restricting social media use to 30 minutes per day improved well-being significantly. 

Monitor your child’s internet and social media conduct, no matter how clever or mature you believe they are. When it comes to the media, your youngster will make mistakes. Talk to your youngster about them and assist them in learning from them.

Also, lead by example. Consider that your child is looking to you for guidance on when and how to use devices.

As your child gets older, you’ll probably need to continue guiding, managing and monitoring their usage of devices and media. However, you can ensure a healthy experience by establishing family rules and revising them as your child develops.