It is well documented that excessive screen time can be harmful on young minds. Studies have shown that too much screen time can decrease cognitive function and attention spans as well as negatively impact energy levels and mental clarity.
But in today's interconnected world, cutting down on screen time is easier said that done, and it's difficult to gauge – how much screen time is too much for children?
"Screen addiction adds to the already existing mental health challenges that children face," says Dr Brendan Jeremy Gomez, a consulting psychologist.
"A study in Singapore showed that teenagers who received fewer 'likes' (on their social media posts) reported more negative emotions and thoughts about themselves," he added.
But it's not just the amount of time children spend on screens that worries him. The content they are exposed to is concerning, he said.
Recognising the potential dangers of excessive screen time, popular video-sharing apps such as TikTok recently introduced a 60-minute daily screen time limit for users under 18.
Facebook has also introduced resources and warnings about suicide posts. "These are steps in the right direction, but more needs to be done," said Dr Brendan.
"This includes the ability to access pornography, violent behaviour and addictive games, and to protect them from child predators," he says.
There are already programmes that can help minimise the impact of negative screen time, such as Qustodio, Net Nanny, Kaspersky Safe Kids, Norton Family, KidLogger and Spyrix.
However, Dr Brendan said that policies and safeguards are useless if they aren't implemented by the end user. "That means every parent and carer needs to get involved, including nannies, maids and grandparents," he said.
So, what can parents and carers do to help? Dr Brendan suggests two areas of focus.
Parents, teachers and nurseries should build off-screen activities into children's daily routines, including outdoor play, socialising, constructive recreation and time for themselves.
Dr Brendan also believes that parents need to help children learn how to make healthy choices when using digital technology.
Drawing on his own experience, Dr Brendan said he gives his daughter Chris an extra five to ten minutes after she's reached the screen time limit to turn off the device. “By giving her a choice, Chris learns how to regulate her behaviour and understand the concept of time,” he said.
Dr Brendan also highlighted the impact of screen time before going to sleep. Limiting screen time at bedtime can help us get into a better state for sleep and improve the quality of our rest.
While screens are here to stay, the right safeguards can help children become balanced and healthy individuals in the digital age.
"It takes a village to raise a child in this digital age, so we better get it right," he said.
Melissa Fernando
Thu Mar 09 2023
While screens are a part of today's culture, there are health benefits related to reducing screen time. - Astro AWANI
Menteri Indonesia bincang isu pekerja migran dengan rakan sejawat dari Malaysia
Fauziyah harap Steven akan membawa penambahbaikan kepada dasar berkaitan tenaga kerja Indonesia.
Pahang peruntuk RM1.5 juta bantuan tunai bakal jemaah haji
Sebanyak 1,588 jemaah haji Pahang menerima sumbangan 'duit poket' berjumlah RM750 seorang bagi membantu meringankan beban bakal haji dalam melakukan persiapan melaksanakan rukun Islam kelima itu.
PRK Kuala Kubu Baharu: Pengundi jangan mudah percaya taktik fitnah - Ramanan
Ramanan berkata pengundi perlu lebih berhati-hati, dan sentiasa menyemak fakta apabila mendengar kempen politik yang dilakukan pihak lawan.
KEDA berhasrat tanam padi wangi, padi huma tahun ini
Lembaga Kemajuan Wilayah Kedah (KEDA) berhasrat membangunkan tanaman padi wangi dan padi huma di beberapa kawasan pertanian dalam wilayahnya, tahun ini.
Mesyuarat perundingan Enam Pihak Arab bincangkan perkembangan di Gaza
Mesyuarat perundingan Jawatankuasa Enam Pihak Arab itu membincangkan perkembangan serangan Israel ke atas Semenanjung Gaza.
Chegubard didakwa di Mahkamah Sesyen KL esok - Peguam
Badrul Hisham Shaharin atau dikenali Chegubard akan didakwa di Mahkamah Sesyen Kuala Lumpur esok atas pertuduhan memfitnah dan menghasut.
Pulau Pinang, kerajaan pusat bekerjasama tarik pelaburan semikonduktor
Kerajaan Pulau Pinang akan bekerjasama dengan Kerajaan Persekutuan untuk meneruskan usaha menarik pelaburan dalam sektor semikonduktor, termasuk segmen reka bentuk litar bersepadu (IC) di negeri itu.
Rakyat Malaysia di Jordan jadi duta produk PMKS negara
Menteri Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi Datuk Ewon Benedick menyarankan rakyat Malaysia yang menetap di Jordan supaya memainkan peranan sebagai “duta” untuk mempromosikan produk perusahaan mikro kecil dan sederhana (PMKS) SERTA koperasi negara.
Mohamed Khaled tiba di Indonesia, dijadual bertemu Prabowo
Menteri Pertahanan Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin tiba di Jakarta hari ini untuk lawatan kerja rasmi sulung beliau ke Indonesia sejak memegang jawatan itu.
SPRM mohon maklumat dari Jerman
Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) memohon maklumat terkini daripada pihak berkuasa Jerman mengenai dana bon 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) yang dipercayai digunakan untuk membeli kereta mewah di negara itu pada 26 Okt 2022.