How to reduce scree time in children?

Question

Hello doctor,

My kid is 7 years old. After coming back from school, he used to watch television and play video games. I think that he is having excess screen time. How to control this habit in my kid? How to make him play with his friends? How does this excess screen time affect his health? Are there any strategies that can be followed to make my kid an active one? Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I agree that screen time is becoming a challenge for the overall development of children. A few effects include:

1. Excess screen time is unhealthy as it affects the brain and vision and reduces physical activity, leading to obesity.

2. Excess screen time- after long-term focus, leads to easy distraction, irritability, addiction, and loneliness.

3. Screen time acts as a brain stimulator, and constant stimulus can lead to exhaustion.

Here are a few strategies you can apply-

a. Look for the child's interest in outdoor or indoor games. Enroll him for the same.

b. He can be enrolled in other group activities, which helps him learn new skills.

c. Restrict television show subscriptions, keep it basic, only what families need.

e. If possible, stop the subscription for a month and see.

f. Once input stops (television screen), kids automatically want to be engaged in other games or activities. Gradually, activity time can be increased.

I am sure these interventions if applied, will work. Feel free to contact me for any other concerns.

I hope you find this helpful.