It’s hard to go anywhere in this world without looking at a screen. With so many digital devices out there-from phones and tablets to computers and TVs-there is always something to look at. For children specifically, the temptation to stare at a screen is often too hard to resist, leading to unhealthy habits.

Because technology is still relatively new, we don’t really know the impacts of all this screen time. As adults we can intuitively sense that limiting screen time is a good idea. After all, most of us spend our days in front of computers at work, and we all know how taxing this can be.

When it comes to children though, the stakes are higher. Their brains are still developing, and they are also learning a whole host of other skills vital for them to succeed in this world. Therefore, it’s critical that we understand the risks of too much screen time, how much is too much, and what we can do to keep things reasonable.

A recent blog written on Cablecompare.com, a site dedicated to research, review and comparison, takes a look at children and screen time. They explored just how much time is currently spent on screens, the impact of that screen time, including benefits and risks. To read the blog in its entirety, click HERE.

Notable statistics

• Kids between 11-14 spend roughly 9 hours per day with screens
• Half of all children under 8 have their own tablet device
• There are benefits to screen time like learning, building independence, practicing communication skills, digital skills, and quality time spent digitally with others
• Concerns for too much screen time include eye strain and headaches, exposure to inappropriate content, less socialization, poor sleep, and poor performance in school

How to spot if your child might be on screen overload

• Lack of sleep/difficulty sleeping
• Poor physical health
• Disinterest in school
• Isolation from friends and family
• Lack of curiosity for other hobbies or interests

Ways to limit screen time in your home

• Start with a conversation-talk openly and honestly about it with your family
• Create a screen policy
• Keep devices public
• Use parental controls
• Develop healthy screen habits

For an in depth look at each of these points, be sure to check out the full article HERE.