Parents are always confused about the usage of children’s screen time. As they already know the adverse effect but still, we are unable to get that perfect answer for it. Many parents ask How much screen time should be allowed for children.

This becomes a complex question as children ask for more hours of screen time. Parents do not allow them to have more because of their safety concerns.

This becomes the topic where conflict starts between parents and children.

And the conflict has no end point at all. The confusion here is where to get guidance about it. How much time is enough for screen time?

Children nowadays mostly like to spend time playing online games, chatting with friends on social media, scrolling reels, binge-watching, and studying on laptops/mobile, etc.

How much screen time should be allowed to children?

Let’s have a look at what the study and research say. Well, we focus here on a health perspective both physical and psychological. I would suggest following what doctors and researchers are saying.

You can also take the help of your family doctor and physician.

Until your child turns 2

Doctors and research say that until the child turns 2 years old, parents should not allow the child to use any screen. This is the time for cognitive development and activity to explore the surroundings, the words, texture, smell, and taste.

The screen becomes the biggest hurdle in the developmental stage which can affect their entire life.

Blue rays from the mobile screen can damage their eyes and create complications. Some of them may be irreversible and stay forever.

During the COVID pandemic, we have seen such cases in the news. We have seen psychological and physical damage to the children.

This is not the time to watch online videos and other online activities.

Try to keep your child engaging with offline activities, and also take part in those activities so you can connect with them.

Young child (2 to 8 years)

Now, it is time that your child started to explore around. Their world expands, and they start their school life and explore different activities. They develop basic skills and now they start to copy you and can have a little argument.

They are asking for mobile and try to get it by throwing tantrums or making emotional arguments.

Well, these all already happened to me and that is really frustrating.

But ideally, they should not have screen time more than 1 hour.

Why?

Exposure to the internet has two sides, one is an angel and the other is the devil.

The angel side can make your child intelligent and smart but at the same time exposed to unwanted content and addiction to the screen makes it devil.

Only 1 hour for a day and it is also under parents’ or caregiver’s surveillance is required.

Please have a child control on your phone and on the applications that they are allowed to use.

Also, plan a play date with them frequently and enroll them in their interested activities so they can indulge in offline activities and not get caught on the screen.

Pre-teen and Teenager

Children in this age group have more access to the gadget and for one or other reason, they catch the opportunity for screen time.

They have to do homework, assignments, study material, etc on mobile and get a chance to occupy their mobile.

Now they can have easy access to social media too, spend time chatting with friends, scrolling social media, and a lot more.

Even I’ve seen that mostly they do have not their own mobile (in India) but have full authority to use their parents’ mobile. They use their mobile without restrictions and time limits. Even mostly the situation is like the parents asking for access to the mobile and the child refusing or saying wait for a few minutes, I’ll give after some time.

Already they are at a very sensitive age, it become hard for us to regulate them using screen time.

We also have to understand that it is ok to use mobile and gadgets as these are also used in their education.

But not at the cost of health.

If we ask doctors, they’ll suggest 2 hours per day. Many of them also suggest it should be not more than 3 hours.

It is because even though the screen educates and entertains them, healthy boundaries are a must. The overuse of screens may be the reason for anxiety, and low self-esteem in your teen child and put them in a state of constant flight or fight mode.

This means, at the time when they have to focus on their study and careers they get lost in scrolling the screen.

So, have a conversation with them about their screen time even though it is difficult for both of you. set a good example by following digital detox which also makes a great impact on them.

Most importantly give them space to share their thoughts and feelings so if they are feeling low or facing difficulties in their life they can talk it with you.

How much screen time should be allowed?

Well, we all are in different situations, and that’s why the answer also differs from parent to parent. Many parents are working parents and they have to make more effort to regulate the screen time of their children.

Before deciding the screen time, we should get a look at the child’s needs.

Children always compare their screen time with their siblings, friends, and neighborhood children, and also with parents.

Read before setting time limits

Discuss with them before you decide on the screen time. They ask for more time, and at that time ask them why they need this much time and what is the reason behind their suggestion.

Remember that whatever screen time you decide to give, it should be realistic. Schedule it in such a way, that there is no continuous usage and interval in between.

Also, teach them how to use this technology, do let them know about its adverse effects and disadvantages. Tell them why it is important to make time limits on the usage of screen time.

If they already get more screen time maybe they have difficulties limiting their screen time. Without being rude and impatient help them to maintain their screen time.

They may face difficulties at the beginning. At that time being firm, calm and patient is the only way to figure out everything.

All the Best and Thank you for your valuable time.

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Happy Parenting.

How much screen time should be allow to children?