Table of Contents
Introduction
Throughout 3 billion people are currently in lockdown around the world, with nearly 90% of the student population being cut off from school. It’s no surprise that a growing number of youngsters and their parents are connecting to the outside world through devices that were formerly viewed with caution or even contempt.
With more than 130 nations restricting mobility to combat the COVID-19 epidemic, it’s time to acknowledge the internet as a key instrument for children’s study, play, entertainment, and social connection. In other words, individuals may have a lot to gain from spending time online.
However, for parents who were concerned about their children’s usage of social media and online gaming before the outbreak, the symbolic ‘leap’ onto screens might bring further worry or even anguish. How can kids and families make the most of the increasing dependence on screens — which is helping to retain a feeling of normalcy during lockdown — while also balancing other crucial activities?
During COVID-19, There Was a Lot of Screen Time and Gaming
Social media and video games, according to research, give a momentary escape from real life while also providing vital social involvement. Many media sources have documented their utility during COVID-19: I believed playing video games was unproductive until Coronavirus, and Coronavirus Ended the Screen-Time Debate, and I thought playing video games was unproductive until Coronavirus, and Coronavirus Ended the Screen-Time Debate. Screens were victorious.
Digital game distributors like Steam have reported a significant rise in daily users in recent weeks, going from 19 million in early March to a new high of 23.5 million in early April.
But how about the danger?
A recent collection of high-quality research has shown that screen time has a minor influence on children’s mental health and well-being. Other factors, such as parental support, family bonds, and negative childhood experiences, have a greater influence than screen time. Large-scale surveys of over 350,000 children, longitudinal studies with children in the United Kingdom, and diary studies from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States are all part of this body of work. In low- and middle-income countries, where access is more limited, there is currently little data.
Physical inactivity has also been linked to screen time, which is a significant cause of worldwide mortality and leads to childhood obesity. Some say that limiting children’s screen time is one approach to improve physical activity, although data contradicts this claim. For many people who are cooped up today, the reverse is true: vigorous video games or fitness DVDs may be their greatest option for getting some exercise.
What options do we have?
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It’s critical to maintain contact with friends:
It is critical for youngsters to play and converse with peers during unusual moments of high unpredictability and irregularity. During a pandemic, video games and social media may provide significant experiences such as connectivity in a time when social interaction is restricted, amusement in a time when options are limited, and a tool to help alleviate worry and panic.
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Parental monitoring and active participation:
Active parenting tactics can help to alleviate legitimate concerns about the content of some video games, as well as a variety of online threats that may befall children who play them. Talking to children about their internet experiences, ensuring they do not play games designed for an adult audience, and evaluating their general mood and happiness while playing are all examples. Playing video games with your children is an excellent method to keep them safe. It’s also possible to have a lot of fun with it!
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Physical activity while watching television:
Keep in mind that many children will not get the level of physical exercise that they are accustomed to during a pandemic. We need innovative techniques to help youngsters stay active if learning, socializing, and playing are now restricted to the screen.
Because outside movement is prohibited, the WHO recommends active video games and online fitness programs as a way to keep healthy at home. This is an excellent option since it combines physical activity with entertainment.
This advice is applicable both during the COVID-19 outbreak and after things have returned to normal. WHO also provides ideas for non-digital stay-at-home physical exercise, which is excellent for families with restricted access to the internet.
Advantages of Screen Time
Screens and digital technologies provide the following benefits in addition to serving as a medium for information:
- They serve as a means of communication between friends and family.
- Smartphone applications can inspire youngsters to engage in healthy habits such as frequent exercise, eating healthier foods, and sleeping better.
- Learning is enhanced by the use of screens. Some screen activities enable children to learn new knowledge in a fun and engaging manner.
Disadvantages of Screen Time
While screens make it easier to obtain information and maintain connections, they also have a number of disadvantages:
- Young children’s language development may be slowed by screens. While a screen can help a youngster acquire words, it cannot give the required feedback for children to develop and utilize language.
- They suffocate innovative thinking. Playing with play dough, sketching, and crafts, stacking blocks or using construction sets, and reading physical books all take a back seat in households where screens are the center of attention.
- They obstruct the development of social skills. Some kids get so reliant on their devices that they are unable to act in socially acceptable ways when they are not in front of them.
Also read: Using Technology to Boost Learning Confidence in Specially-abled Students
FAQs
Question 1: My child spends four hours every day online for educational purposes, but he also wants to watch movies and chat with his friends. How do I keep track of how much time they spend online?
Answer 1: There is evidence that youngsters use their smartphones to connect emotionally with their pals. Allow them time to do so, but be clear about your expectations. According to the American Academy of Paediatrics, implementing tech-free zones or hours is a good idea.
For example, allowing phones only once a week or not at all during mealtimes. They also recommend restricting screen time one hour before night and asking kids to charge their phones outside of their rooms before bedtime. Consider which options could be best for you and your family.
Question 2: Is it better for youngsters to go online first thing in the morning or last thing at night?
Answer 2: After a full night’s sleep and a hearty meal, students’ brains are normally at their sharpest in the morning. Everyone, however, is unique. Children work best during their own chosen productivity hours, according to studies. If your child is more productive in the afternoon, you should definitely work with them to build a routine that both of you are satisfied with.
Question 3: To limit their time in front of a computer, I want my child to participate in additional activities such as crafts or physical activity. How can this be done while ensuring that they complete their online lessons?
Answer 3: The most essential thing is to create structure and think of some things to do. Intersperse such activities throughout the day — for every 1 hour of online study time, do 30 minutes of activity, such as jumping jacks in the yard or playing a brief game.
