It’s been a hotly debated topic in the education sector recently due to schools becoming increasingly digital within their learning environment. So, what is screen time? As the name suggests, it’s the amount of time a person spends looking at a screen. For example, mobile phones, computers and televisions. The impact of it on a child’s development is still being debated, however, as with everything in life, too much of it can be detrimental.
BENEFITS OF SCREEN TIME:
- Online tasks can improve teamwork and creativity skills.
- Access to the internet’s vast cache of information.
- Improves visual intelligence and hand-eye coordination.
- Less pressured environment to make social connections.
- Building modern technology usage skills.
RISKS OF TOO MUCH SCREEN TIME:
- Can affect sleep.
- Addiction to mobile device(s).
- Can increase anxiety, (especially social).
- Increase obesity rate.
- Can slow language development.
BALANCING TIPS
When combined with other activities, such as, outdoor play, reading, and socialising, screen time can be a great tool for students. Here are our three best tips for a balanced, healthy screen time amount:
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Short Timed Sessions
Physical activity, however simple or complex, is key for a child’s energy levels, development, sleep, overall health, and wellbeing. When granting screen time, ensure it’s done in short bursts with encouraged breaks every so often. With the use of timers, you can control intervals and urge the child to get up and move around.
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Internet Chaperone
Take an interest in their digital world to better steer them as they become more active online and start to draw from other users and online sources to gather information. However, give them the chance to be independent and shape their morality online to ensure they make smart choices about how they use tech.
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Encourage Interaction With Others
When children interact with their peers, they develop important life skills. These include manners, respect, communication, being independent, and learning how to sort out conflicts and problems. You can support your student’s friendships by something as simple as encourage them to join an after-school or lunchtime club. It’s proven to be beneficial for a child’s creative development, forcing them to learn how to experiment, think, learn and solve problems in a fun environment. While there are potential drawbacks to screen time, there are also several advantages, as highlighted above. It’s a balancing act. It’s the responsibility of educators and families to oversee this equilibrium in order to give the child the best chance at proper development as they age. Experts suggest using the Goldilocks approach of “not too little, not too much, but just right” and focusing less on how long the child uses a screen, but more so what they are using it for.
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Centerprise International is a trusted technology supplier for many academic institutes across the UK. We are passionate about providing staff and students with the most advance technologies, solutions and services at great prices. Get in touch with our expert tech specialists now! Find out how we can help you improve your screen time.
