Screentime is not always bad for kids: Bestselling Author Amanda Hess talks about its surprising benefits
When we think of screen time and our kids, we automatically imagine the worst - terrible for eyes, limited social interaction, reduced empathy etc. And while most of that is true, there are some pros to screen time as well, says Amanda Hess, a journalist and bestselling author of'Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age'. According to Amanda, it all boils down to the number of hours of screen time, what your child is watching, and how much of it, is simulating his mind. Let's deep deeper...
Screen time can be a helpful tool
In her book, Hess shares a personal story about her son's recovery from a difficult surgery. Initially, she was worried that letting him watch TV might be harmful. However, a psychologist reassured her that during recovery, extra screen time was okay. Watching favorite shows helped her son relax and cope with the physical and emotional challenges he faced.
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Choose quality over quantity
Not all screen time is equal. According to psychologists, longer, engaging content (like an educational movie/documentary) can encourage deeper thinking. In contrast, many short-form social media clips are designed to trigger quick emotional reactions like surprise or anger, which may not be conducive for the child. Hess emphasizes appreciating the quality of screen time rather than just limiting the amount. This means choosing content that stimulates learning, creativity, or positive engagement.
Strike a balance
While Hess appreciates screen time, she also recognizes the importance of balance. She often lets her son watch TV while she handles chores or work calls, creating what she calls a 'TV party' at home. This way, you too, can incorporate screen time into your family routine without replacing important activities or relationships.
Makes children learn about self regulation
Some parents worry that screen time leads to addiction or laziness. However, others have found that when kids are given a generous but consistent allowance of screen time, they naturally balance it with other activities. For example, children may watch TV until they get bored, then turn to outdoor play, reading, or hobbies. This helps them learn self-governance and make healthy choices on their own. Having said that, it is also equally important to draw a line on screen time, especially if your kid enjoys it too much.
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