Screen time refers to the time spent on electronic devices with screens. These include TV screens, laptops/desktop computers, mobile devices (smartphones & tablets) and, handheld game consoles.
While some screen time can be educational, it is easy to go overboard. Some caregivers may use screen time to ‘babysit’ their young children so they are able to do their daily chores.
What are the professional recommendations on screen time for children?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children below 18 months avoid use of screen media other than video chatting.
For those between 18 months and 2 years, any media should be of high quality, and parents should watch these programmes with their children to help them understand the content.
For children 2 to 5 years, screen usage should be limited to 1 hour a day of high-quality programmes, with adult’s supervision.
Why is too much screen time harmful?
Excessive screen time exposure has been associated with various medical and developmental problems including the following:
- Behavioural problems
Short attention span, aggression, violence, bullying and risk-taking behaviours - Irregular sleep/sleep deprivation
Difficulty falling asleep, disturbed sleep routines and nightmares - Language, cognitive and motor delays
- Poor academic performance
- Obesity
How do you limit screen time?
- Place firm limits on screen time depending on your child’s age.
- Agree on a daily screen time limit within your family and other caregivers such as grandparents or helpers, and adhere to it. Explain to your child about screen time limit, and consequences if the limit is exceeded (e.g. no screen time at all the next day).
- Set a good example when your child is present. Limit your own screen time and avoid watching or playing violent or other inappropriate content when your child is present.
- Eliminate unnecessary background screen time, e.g. TV screen is on when your child is doing other activities. Turn off the TV to reduce sensory overload and distractions to your child’s attention.
- Discourage repetitive viewings of the same show. Children can easily repeat a programme on video-sharing websites. Switch off the screen after 1 episode of the programme.
- Do not let your child eat while watching a screen device. This includes their regular meals and snacks.
- Keep screen devices out of the bedroom to enable you to monitor the content that your child is being exposed to.
- Avoid any screen time 1 hour before bedtime. This allows your child’s sleep hormone (melatonin) to rise naturally, and for you to do a bedtime routine such as reading a story or singing a lullaby, to promote parent-child bonding.
- Avoid purchasing more devices than you need. It is not necessary for your child to own his own TV, smartphone or tablet. He can access your device.
How else can I entertain my child without the use of a screen device?
Screen time is generally a solitary and passive activity. However, young children need to learn to interact socially, communicate with others, perform physical exercise, develop imaginative play, think creatively and engage in multi-sensory exploration.
Refer to our chapter on ‘Playing with your child’ for play ideas to entertain your child.
Reference: American Academy of Pediatrics, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Health Promotion Board
Pengawasan “Screen time”
“Screen time” ialah masa yang diluangkan di hadapan skrin telefon bimbit (smartphone), menonton televisyen, bermain komputer atau permainan video. Apabila kanak-kanak dibiasakan dengan smartphone, mereka akan duduk diam dan menumpukan perhatian berhibur berjam-jam. “Screen time” kalau tidak dikawal boleh mengkhayalkan.
“Screen time” ialah aktiviti yang tidak aktif secara fizikal. Tenaga yang sangat sedikit digunakan semasa membuat aktiviti tersebut. Meluangkan masa yang terlalu lama menghadap skrin memudaratkan kerana menjejaskan perkembangan emosi, fizikal dan kemahiran berbahasa. Kajian telah menunjukkan bahawa kanak-kanak sedemikian mempunyai prestasi akademik yang lemah, kurang perhatian di sekolah, mempunyai masalah emosi seperti kerap melakukan keganasan dan tidak cukup tidur. Tambahan pula, kadar obesiti lebih tinggi dalam kalangan kanak-kanak ini.
Pakar perkembangan kanak-kanak dari American Academy of Paediatrics mengesyorkan:
- Bawah 18 bulan: Seeloknya tidak didedahkan kepada sebarang skrin elektronik kecuali untuk “video call” (panggilan video bersama ahli keluarga).
- 18 bulan hingga 2 tahun: Ibu bapa perlu menonton bersama dengan anak-anak, dan mengulas semula atau memberi penerangan setiap apa yang dipelajari melalui “screen time”.
- 2 tahun hingga 5 tahun: Hadkan masa menghadap skrin kepada hanya 1 jam sehari, di bawah pengawasan ibu bapa.
