More than two hours a day.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in digital consumption among children in the US. According to a study conducted by Common Sense Media, children between the ages of 0-8 years old spend an average of 2 hours and 19 minutes per day consuming digital media (Common Sense Media, 2021). This is a concerning trend, as excessive digital consumption can have negative impacts on a child's physical and mental health.
Concerns on the child's mental health and more.
One of the primary concerns is the impact of screen time on a child's physical health. Extended periods of time spent in front of a screen can lead to poor posture, eye strain, and headaches. Additionally, excessive screen time can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, which can increase the risk of obesity and other health issues. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children between the ages of 2-5 years old should have no more than 1 hour of screen time per day, and children 6 years and older should have consistent limits on the amount of time spent with media, as well as the types of media they consume (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016).
Another concern with excessive digital consumption is the impact on a child's mental health. Studies have shown that too much screen time can contribute to anxiety, depression, and poor sleep patterns (Twenge, 2019). Additionally, social media and online gaming can lead to cyberbullying and feelings of isolation, which can have long-term negative impacts on a child's mental health.
Take back control.
So, what can parents do to address this issue? First and foremost, it's important to set consistent limits on screen time. This means establishing clear rules around when and how long your child can use digital devices. It's also important to ensure that the media your child is consuming is age-appropriate and educational. For example, educational games and programs can be a great way to supplement traditional learning methods. Finally, parents can encourage their children to engage in physical activities and spend time outdoors, which can help mitigate some of the negative impacts of screen time.
Conclusions.
In conclusion, the growing trend of digital consumption among children in the US is a cause for concern. Excessive screen time can have negative impacts on a child's physical and mental health, and it's important for parents to take action to address this issue. By setting consistent limits, ensuring age-appropriate and educational media consumption, and encouraging physical activity and outdoor play, parents can help promote a healthy balance between digital consumption and other important aspects of a child's development.
References:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). Media and young minds. Pediatrics, 138(5), e20162591.
Common Sense Media. (2021). The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Kids Zero to Eight 2021. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/the-common-sense-census-media-use-by-kids-zero-to-eight-2021
Twenge, J. M. (2019). Have smartphones destroyed a generation? The Atlantic. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/09/has-the-smartphone-destroyed-a-generation/534198/
