Screens are a part of our daily lives..
Nowadays, and in our digital age, no matter where you turn your head, there is a screen. Therefore, there is no escape from this reality. We have become dependent on screens, and they have become a crucial part of our daily lives, whether we like it or not.
Screens are an integral part of our daily routines, from smartphones and tablets to televisions and computers, both adults and children are equally exposed and constantly surrounded by digital devices, and we use those screens for different reasons and purposes; seeking news and information, entertainment, work, communications with other people, and children also use the internet for education and learning, mostly because schools rely on the screen for doing the homework and exams.
As you can see, we are surrounded by screens, and as our technology advances, we are becoming increasingly dependent on them. This ensures that digital devices will play a central role in children’s lives as they grow up.
The parents are feeling the weight too..
The parents are affected tremendously, suffering and feeling the weight and guilt of seeing their children waste time by being glued to screens all the time. And seeing all the negative impact on their physical and mental health, and how their behaviors are worsening by the day, From breakfast battles over cartoons to bedtime negotiations for “just five more minutes” of playing games, watching videos, or scrolling, screen time has never felt like an endless tug of war more than ever. And while parents are trying every day to set healthy boundaries of how much their children spend in front of the screen turns into a daily power struggle, met with huge meltdowns, negotiations, and emotional storms.
The worrying continues as the children grow into becoming more obsessed and attached to the screens. What starts as innocent entertainment quickly turns into a deep rooted dependency. The more digital temptations they’re exposed to, colorful games, endless videos, flashy apps, the stronger the grip becomes. It’s not just the time spent staring at screens, but the intensity of their attachment that alarms parents the most.
Many begin to notice subtle shifts: a child who once loved outdoor play now prefers the glow of a tablet. Mealtimes turn silent, conversations become one sided, and joyful interactions are replaced by distracted nods. As this pattern deepens, parents often find themselves asking, "Is this just a phase, or is my child truly addicted to screens?"
Understanding the early warning signs is the first step to reclaiming balance and connection.
Here are the signs you, as a parent, should pay attention to:
1. 24 hours preoccupied with the screen:
They consistently show eagerness to engage with digital devices, indicating a dependence on screen time and a notable attachment.
2. They show signs of irritability, mood swings, or agitation:
Does your child show irritability, mood swings, or agitation when away from screens? Do they have meltdowns when you set limits on screen time? If they exhibit withdrawal symptoms when denied access to devices, this may indicate an emotional dependency on screens.
3. Difficulties falling asleep or exhibiting irregular sleep schedules:
Spending too much time on screens, particularly before bedtime, can interfere with sleep patterns. If your child struggles to fall asleep or has an irregular sleep schedule because of late-night screen use, it may indicate an unhealthy dependence on screens.
4. Neglecting other hobbies, activities, or social interactions in favour of screens:
They lose all their interest in doing their regular activities, whether playing sport or doing crafty activities, or hanging out with friends outside, all those become part of history for them; thus, this lack of interest indicates that the screen becomes their number one priority. And this is a huge problem as they can slip easily into delusions of a world that does not exist, making them more vulnerable to mental illnesses like depression.
5. Unable to adhere to the screen time you have set:
Repeated attempts to extend the screen time you have set by lying, manipulating, or sneaking devices when you're not looking indicate that they are losing control over themselves and are unable to self regulate.
6. A decline in academic performance or a noticeable change in focus and attention span:
Reduced concentration, lack of interest in studies, or getting in trouble at school could indicate the negative effects of prolonged screen exposure. Or having a short attention span due to excessive watching of short videos on Social Media platforms.
7. Withdrawn from social interaction:
Disconnected from the social world around them, with little to no interest in engaging with others or making an effort to connect, heads are constantly buried in screens. Has your child shown a decline in social interactions or lost interest in spending time with friends and family? Excessive screen time may contribute to social withdrawal, negatively affecting real-life relationships and connections in the present and future.
How much screen time.. is too much?
The more children depend on the screens, the more the parents grow worried and anxious about how this is going to affect and impact their children's mental, physical, and emotional health. Excessive screen time has been linked to various health issues in children, including:
1. Obesity: Numerous studies have shown a link between high screen time and an increased risk of childhood obesity.
2. Poor Sleep or Insomnia: Excessive screen time in young children can disrupt sleep patterns and hinder brain development, particularly in those under 5 years old. And it can affect how quickly your child falls asleep and how long your child sleeps.
3. Behavioral Problems and Impulsivity: Excessive screen time in children is strongly linked to increased impulsivity and behavioral issues. Research indicates that high screen usage, particularly involving social media, video games, and television, is associated with symptoms of ADHD, including impulsive actions and attention difficulties.
- Reduced Face to Face Interaction: leads to difficulties in interpreting nonverbal cues like facial expressions and body language.
- Decreased Empathy and Emotional Understanding: Limited real world interactions can hinder the development of empathy and emotional intelligence.
- Increased Risk of Social Anxiety: Reliance on digital communication may increase discomfort in face-to-face settings, potentially leading to social anxiety.
- Impaired Communication Skills: Excessive screen time, especially passive consumption, can impede the development of effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
- Isolation and Loneliness: Despite virtual connectivity, overuse of screens can result in social isolation and feelings of loneliness.
6. Physical and Mental Health Issues: Excessive screen time, like tobacco or alcohol, can lead to addiction and harm both physical and mental health. It triggers dopamine release, impacting impulse control and brain function similarly to drugs. Children are especially vulnerable, with overuse linked to speech delays, cognitive impairment, poor problem-solving, aggression, and emotional issues like depression and anxiety. Physical risks include obesity, weak bone health, and future heart problems due to inactivity.
Now it’s your time to find the solutions before it’s too Late..
Now that you are familiar with the signs of your child's addiction to the screen and the profound negative impact it has on them, it’s time to find solutions before this addiction takes over and ruins your child's life.
1. Mentoring and guiding your child’s screen time should start early, when healthy habits are formed, and children are more likely to adapt to consistent limits. Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or educator, taking an active role in managing screen time is vital. Finding the right balance between the advantages of technology and the value of real-world experiences is key to fostering healthy, well-rounded development in children. The sooner you mentor your child's screen time, the more effective it will be to build lasting, healthy routines for them.
2. Avoid giving children under 6 years old their own digital devices. Providing personal access to tablets or smartphones at a young age can lead to excessive screen time and hinder essential developmental activities.
- Birth to 18 months: Avoid all screen media, except for video chatting with family and friends.
- 18 to 24 months: If introducing digital media, choose high-quality content and engage in co-viewing to help your child understand what they're seeing.
- Ages 2 to 5: Limit screen time to one hour per day of high-quality programming. Parents should watch with their children to help them apply what they see to the world around them.
- Ages 6 and older: Place consistent limits on the time spent using media and the types of media. Ensure that media use does not take the place of adequate sleep, physical activity, and other behaviors essential to health.
3. Encourage doing activities together, nothing will help your child in engaging the world more than you doing things together. These shared experiences and moments can prevent your child from engaging in the unrealistic world of the digital screen. Engaging together in activities not only strengthens your bond but also plays a vital role in your child's emotional, social, and cognitive development. And when parents neglect the importance of meaningful interaction, children often seek comfort in screens, missing out on the rich experiences that come from real world engagement and connection.
And to help with making those moments true, we introduce you to Rehla Box to add it to your daily routine with your child.
Rehla Box is a monthly subscription service that delivers a curated selection of age appropriate, hands on activities to help your child learn, have fun, and grow at the same time. And it's the perfect alternative tool for the digital screen. And has proven time after time how much of an impact keeping the children away from the screen and engaging in discovering the world around with you. Where each box provides an opportunity for parents and children to explore, create, and learn together, making screen free time both fun and educational.
Remember, it’s never too late to unpplug and reconnect your child with the world..
Your child's life and future depend on the habits you help to shape today. By setting healthy boundaries and replacing screen time with meaningful tools like Rehla Box, you are not only giving them the greatest gift: your time, attention, and a real connection to the world around them.
Swap the screen for shared memories, and an opportunity, because real growth happens off screen.
