Screens are everywhere; in supermarkets, malls, waiting rooms, schools, etc. It seems they have come to stay and we have adapted ourselves to live among them, its our job to make the best of them and identify when they are no so good.
We all have heard or read somewhere that it’s not recommendable to expose kids from 0 to 4 years to any type of screen, but when our kids are crying, bored, having a tantrum or demanding our attention when we are doing something else, how many of us do really take that advice? It is easier to use any type of screen and as a work of magic they stay still and we can continue with our activities.
What people don’t know is what is happening inside that little brain that is developing, collecting all kind of information that is going to determine how it will answer to the environments demands when it grows. Starting with language, periods of attention, self-regulation and sleep, this are just some of all the aspects that are part of a bigger thing called neurodevelopment and they are affected by the uncontrolled used of screen in early ages.
Academic articles have found that when you expose a child to 2 hours or more time on a screen, it is a risk factor of having language delays. Kids of 2 years or under can’t learn new words from videos if parents don’t get involved in that activity and don’t use those same words in real life interactions, so they need social interaction to incorporate that language skill. Self-regulation skills like task persistence, impulse control, emotional regulation and cognitive flexibility are better taught through social and non-structured game, and an appropriate interaction between parents and sons. About sleep is has been found that there is an association between exposure to screens and less sleep time. And we all know the great importance of sleep in the development of the kids, it allows a physical and mental balance regulating the child neurodevelopment.
Known that and being aware of the importance of all those skills and a lot more that are involved in neurodevelopment, comes the big question and is what are we doing to decrease the risk of altering those processes? If the information is out there and people knows it, why are they ignoring it and exposing their kids to possible difficulties in their lives? We have the information; we just have to use it and create new ideas to entertain kids without screens.
Here are some advices you can use and adapt them to your kid´s interest:
- Slowly decrease the time he/she spends on screens until you get to 45 minutes, maximum 1 hour.
- Ask he/she what is their favorite game, tv show, cartoon, etc. and get a coloring book about this.
- Make sure to schedule activities through the day, be aware of letting them know when one is over and the next one is coming.
- If they want to play a videogame or watch any episode, be sure to stay by their side and be part of it so you can use it as an opportunity to teach them abilities.
