Beyond The Screen: How Excessive TV and Video Games Impact a Child's Mental Wellbeing.

Televisions and video games have become ubiquitous in our homes, offering entertainment and a sense of escape for both children and adults. However, excessive screen time can have significant negative consequences for a child's developing mind.
One of the primary concerns is the displacement of healthy activities. When glued to a screen, children miss out on crucial opportunities for social interaction, physical exercise, and creative play. These activities are essential for building social skills, emotional regulation, cognitive development, and a healthy self-image.

Studies have shown a correlation between excessive screen time and attention problems in children. A 2019 study published by the National Institutes of Health found that children who spent more than two hours a day on screens scored lower on thinking and language tests.

Furthermore, excessive screen time can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. The content of television shows and video games can also be detrimental. Exposure to violence and aggression can lead to increased anxiety, fearfulness, and even desensitization to violence.

Additionally, unrealistic portrayals of body image and social interactions can contribute to low self-esteem and social awkwardness. It's important to note that not all screen time is bad. Educational television programs and video games can offer learning opportunities and promote problem-solving skills. The key is moderation. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen time for children under 18 months to video chatting only, and for children ages 2-5, no more than one hour per day of high-quality programming.

Here are some tips for promoting healthy screen habits in your children:

• Set clear boundaries and limits on screen time.
• Encourage alternative activities such as playing outside, reading, or spending time with friends.
• Co-view television shows and video games with your children and discuss the content.
• Create screen-free zones in your home, such as bedrooms and mealtimes.
• Be a role model: limit your own screen time and engage in activities that promote well-being.

By promoting a balanced approach to technology, we can help ensure that our children develop healthy mental well-being alongside the entertainment and learning opportunities that screens can offer.

References:

1. National Institutes of Health: https://www.nih.gov/ (n.d.) Children's Health Retrieved April 21, 2024, from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/video-gaming-may-be-associated-better-cognitive-performance-children
2. Bandura, A.: 1999. Social cognitive theory of mass communication. Psychological Review, 106(2), 675-709.
3. National Institutes of Health: https://www.nih.gov/ (n.d.) Children's Health Retrieved April 21, 2024, from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/video-gaming-may-be-associated-better-cognitive-performance-children.
4. American Academy of Pediatrics: https://www.healthychildren.org/ (2023, October 26). Screen Time Retrieved April 21, 2024, from https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx