Controlling Your Child's Screen Time.

Screen time can be defined as the time spent in front of an electronic device such as, Television, video games, phones, computers, etc.

Many of us get to use at least one of these devices on a daily basis, for various reasons. Screen time can be utilized in such a way that it benefits us. However, its misuse can cause us more harm than good. For developing children, it is very important to monitor their screen time, especially when used for leisure activities. Screen time can be educative for them but it’s easy for them to go overboard when not monitored- to their own disadvantage. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages media use by children younger than age 2 and recommends limiting older children's screen time to no more than one or two hours a day.

According to the Mayo Clinic, too much screen time has been linked to:

1. Obesity. The more TV children watch, the greater the risk of them becoming overweight. Having a TV in a child's bedroom also increases this risk. Children can also develop an appetite for junk food promoted in TV ads, as well as overeat while watching TV.
2. Irregular sleep. The more TV children watch, the more likely they are to have trouble falling asleep or to have an irregular sleep schedule. Sleep loss, in turn, can lead to fatigue and increased snacking.
3. Behavioral problems. Elementary students who spend more than two hours a day watching TV or using a computer are more likely to have emotional, social and attention problems. Exposure to video games is also linked with an increased risk of attention problems in children. Watching excessive amounts of TV at age 4 is linked with bullying at ages 6 through 11.
4. Impaired academic performance. Elementary students who have TVs in their bedrooms tend to perform worse on tests than do those who don't have TVs in their bedrooms.
5. Violence. Too much exposure to violence through media — especially on TV — can desensitize children to violence. As a result, children might learn to accept violent behavior as a normal way to solve problems.
   
6. Less time for play. Excessive screen time leaves less time for active, creative play.