Your Child and Screen Time

Screen Time Facts

*According to BBC news published on March 27^th 2015, children from age five to sixteen spend an average of six and a half hours per day in front of a screen. This is over forty hours per week!

Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-32067158

*According to CNN doctors recommend that children from age 2 to 5 screen time should be limited to one hour a day. In the particular article it states that once children are age 6 or older parents should determine the amount children spend in front of the screen.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/21/health/screen-time-media-rules-children-aap/

*There are several health risks associated with too much screen time. Now just because these are associated with too much screen time doesn’t mean these health risks are always the result. Some risks include sleep deprivation, obesity, vision problems, a loss of social skills ect. These are just a few of the possible effects of too much screen time.

Source: www.naturalblaze.com/2015/12/6-negative-effects-of-too-much-screen-time-for-kids.html

*I believe screen addiction is a fact and that many of us even as adults and students suffer from it. The first and last thing we tend to do in the day is view our smartphones and notifications. If you compare what we see as internet or screen addiction to any other form of addiction the similarities are quite similar. There are a variety of behaviors that can define internet or screen addiction. An example of this could again be linked to smart phones or even movies. Many times when it is easy to get distracted from studying when you have access to almost anything from a phone. It’s quite easy to get lost in using your technology.

Source: http://netaddiction.com/faqs/

*I think that in reference to all of this, technology or “screen time” we can learn the importance of moderation. While all of these device may seem great and very useful, we must remember that there are other ways of effective teaching and learning that do not involve the constant use of these devices. Based on this information, I would want to include some technology but focus on trying to get away slightly from the norm which tends to lead to higher usage of digital devices. I of course would need to be working in the field to see this first hand and respond to it.

Kids and Screens for Parents

                I think that kids and screens for parents are two distinctively different categories. They do, however, have many similarities. Both children and parents use electronic or digital devices every day. This is both for entertainment, and the pursuit of knowledge. While the mediums may be slightly different, the end result is often times the same.

                Children in general use technology a lot during the course of the typical school day. They use electronic devices such as iPads to learn and accomplish goals set by educators. Many times now students are able to bring these devices home with them to complete assignments. With a majority of time spent at school studying on these devices dubbed as screen time, children also love to be able to spend their free time on electronic devices as well. Video games, computer games, ect. It’s difficult to limit screen time for children because a large portion of it is curriculum based. In other words, you don’t want it to be solely work on all of these devices, you want children in moderation to be able to experience a more relaxing side of technology as well.

                Adults also use technology a lot, mainly for work. I spend my entire day in front of a computer answering phone calls emails, and providing technical support. This is just the way my current occupation as well as many others is set up. I also use technology just as much for school. When I have completed my school work, and a shift at work, I enjoy going home and relaxing. What do I do to relax? Well as many other adults do, I turn on the television, or a may look at my phone, and possibly play a game. This ends up being a lot more screen time than a typical child, but it’s not necessarily by choice. I do not really have a choice when it comes to school work and occupational work. The only choice I have is when I get home what I do in the spare time. When I spend all day using technology for work, it’s nice to be able to go home and use it for something more enjoyable.