3 tips to reduce your child’s screen use

With the advancement of technology, more and more people have become hostages and ended up losing control between the healthy and excessive use of this resource. Despite being common among people of all ages, it is the new generations that suffer the most negative impacts. Data from the Internet Management Committee in Brazil reveal that 89% of the population between 9 and 17 years old are connected, representing 24.3 million children and adolescents. The survey carried out in 2019 provides an overview of the impacts that unrestricted use can have on child development.

Increased use during the pandemic

During the pandemic period, the use of screens has increased considerably, either to attend classes at a distance or even as a form of distraction. This intense use by children and adolescents, who are still developing different brain structures and regions, can generate behavior altered by excessive virtuality – greater irritability and aggressiveness are the main perceived changes.

Harms of using screens

Under the motto “Less screens, more health”, a study carried out by the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP), between 2019 and 2021, warns of a series of problems caused by the so-called digital intoxicationwhich can range from mental health disorders (irritability, anxiety and depression) to physical issues (postural and muscle problems due to sedentary lifestyle) and social issues, such as cyberbullying and exposure to early sexuality and abuse.

Reducing the use of screens

Understand how to propose activities and create a differentiated routine with tips from Miriam Sales, pedagogical coordinator at Mind Lab, company that aims to change the socioeconomic and educational reality of Brazil, including the socioemotional approach in the day to day of schools.

1. Prioritize face-to-face moments

be present and live these moments with your little one without distractions, play, teach, welcome and talk to him in a transparent and safe way, thus demonstrating the balance between all activities. Engage the child in activities and games that move the body and stimulate the release of energy. Make appointments with colleagues/family in parks and demonstrate the importance of carrying out this exchange in person. Contact with nature also helps the child to develop new skills.

2. Have a routine

Balance and routine are super important for a child’s development and that’s how they come to understand how essential it is to have discipline and organization. Thus, she can perform her activities more easily, in addition to creating a healthy and peaceful dialogue. A great resource to utilize is practice in sports. Enroll your little one in some physical activity and explore their abilities.

Make arrangements/agreements with the children about how long they can stay online. Encourage more creative and educational content. And of course, monitor all programs and use all the tools available on the devices to ensure safety while they are using their tablet, smartphone or television.

3. Avoid screens at night

With the routine and a well-established organization, prevent the child from having contact with the screens during the night period. Studies show that the blue light emitted by devices affects the quality of sleep. Then, talk and explain that when it gets dark, these resources will not be used. Be creative and make the most of books, toys and methods that can provide quality moments and more presence and less absence.

be present

It’s quite challenging to keep the kids off the screen, as many families end up using this feature as a way to distraction for the son, explains the coordinator. “Nothing replaces physical contact, the memories and memories that this child will have, in addition, as already mentioned, excessive use impairs cognitive and behavioral activities in child development. Despite the importance of this virtual help, it should not replace affection and social interaction with your child. Do not neglect the moments of exchange between you, use resources wisely and, most importantly, always be present”, concludes Miriam.

Finally, don’t blame yourself if you can’t do all of this all the time. Some days will be more difficult than others. Acknowledging and talking about it is a chance to find your family’s sweet spot again. Having you around is already one of the best memories your child will have from this period.

By Grazieli Binkowski