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Parenting in digital age: 4 tips on raising kids who thrive offline
4 parenting tips to help children navigate the complexities of technology while ensuring they thrive offline (Photo: iStock)
Children today are growing up surrounded by screens and though smartphones, tablets, computers and televisions have many advantages for education and entertainment, the technology use also presents challenges for parents who want their kids to be well-rounded and resilient.
Striking a balance between embracing digital tools and fostering offline skills is a real challenge but it is non-negotiable for healthy child development.
Want your child to acquire the skills necessary for offline success and also guide them through the complexities of technology? You can help your children succeed in both the digital and real worlds by establishing boundaries, encouraging offline activities and maintaining open communication.
To develop well-rounded, resilient individuals who are ready for the challenges of the future, it is essential to strike a balance between meaningful offline experiences and screen time.
The
impact of excessive screen time
Recent studies have highlighted the potential negative effects of prolonged screen exposure on children's health and development. Excessive screen time significantly raises children's and adolescents' long-term risk of heart attack and stroke, according to
Screen Time Is Associated With Cardiometabolic and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Childhood and Adolescence,
a study in the
Journal of the American Heart Association
.
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Researchers analysed data from over 1,000 Danish youths and discovered a strong correlation between longer recreational screen time and higher cardiometabolic risk scores where factors included high blood pressure, poor cholesterol profiles and insulin resistance.
A research, led by Dr. David Horner from the University of Copenhagen, analysed data from over 1,000 Danish youths and found a significant association between increased recreational screen time and higher risks of cardiometabolic diseases, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and insulin resistance. Notably, the study also highlighted that insufficient sleep exacerbates these risks. (Image: TOI)
A 2023 study published in
Sleep Health (
Interactive Screen-Based Activities Impact Sleep Health of Adolescents
by Dr. David A. Reichenberger from Penn State University
)
revealed that children who used screens within an hour of bedtime took longer to fall asleep and had reduced REM cycles that is critical for emotional regulation.
The study examined the effects of screen use on sleep patterns among adolescents and noted that engaging in interactive screen activities, such as texting friends or playing video games, particularly in the hour before bedtime, significantly delayed sleep onset by approximately 30 minutes compared to refraining from such activities.
Moreover, increased daytime screen use among them was associated with further delays in sleep onset.
The research underscored the importance of limiting interactive screen use before bedtime to promote healthier sleep patterns among adolescents as it found that both blue light exposure and psychological stimulation from content disrupt sleep patterns.
Building emotional intelligence and social skills
Did you know even social and emotional development can be hindered by excessive screen time? According to a
Harvard study
, pre-schoolers who used a lot of screens had lower "social fluency" skills like reading facial cues and taking turns, which are essential for building relationships and navigating social interactions.
To counter this, parents can encourage kids to participate in activities like family meals, playdates and community events, all of which promote face-to-face interactions and help children to learn empathy, communication and emotional intelligence through these events.
Developing healthy screening practices
Parenting in the digital age: Myths and must-knows for tech in schoolwork. (AI Image)
While completely eliminating screens is unrealistic, setting boundaries can help children develop a healthy relationship with technology. Experts recommend:
Setting Screen Time Limits:
Set daily or weekly limits on how much time you spend on your screen for fun. The
American Academy of Pediatrics
suggests no more than two hours of recreational screen time per day for children aged 2 to 5 years.
Creating Screen-Free Zones:
To encourage face-to-face interactions and improve sleep hygiene, designate rooms in the home, like the bedroom and dining room, as screen-free zones.
Healthy Screen
Use:
Children frequently imitate their parents' actions. By demonstrating balanced screen habits, parents can set a positive example.
Promoting Offline Activities:
To encourage imagination and physical activity, encourage activities that don't involve screens, like reading, outdoor play and creative arts.
Fostering open communication
It is essential for parents to maintain open lines of communication with children about their digital experiences. Insights into their digital well-being can be gained by talking about the content they consume, how much time they spend online and how they feel about the interactions they have online. This conversation with the little ones aids parents in guiding their children to make educated choices regarding their screen time and online behaviour.
