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Children and screen time: How much is too much?

We came across a very informative article from mayo clinic:

We quote from this article:

The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages media use by children younger than 2 and recommends limiting older children’s screen time to no more than one or two hours a day.

Too much screen time can be linked to:

  • Obesity
    The more TV and video your child watches, the greater his or her risk is of becoming overweight. Having a TV or other electronics in a child’s bedroom increases this risk as well. Children can also develop an appetite for junk food promoted in ads, as well as overeat while watching on electronics. Learn more about screen time and body weight.
  • Irregular sleep
    The more time spent watching on a screen, the more likely children are to have trouble falling asleep or have an irregular sleep schedule. Sleep loss can lead to fatigue and increased snacking.
  • Behavioral problems
    Elementary students who spend more than two hours a day watching TV, playing video games or using a computer or smartphone are more likely to have emotional, social and attention problems. Also, exposure to video games is linked with an increased possibility of attention problems in children. Read “Are video games and screens another addiction?”
  • Impaired academic performance
    Elementary students who have TVs or other screens in their bedrooms tend to perform worse on tests than do those who don’t have these in their bedrooms.
  • Violence
    Too much exposure to violence through media can desensitize children to violence. As a result, children might learn to accept violent behavior as a normal way to solve problems.
  • Less time for play
    Excessive screen time leaves less time for active, creative play.

It can be difficult to start limiting your child’s screen time. However, it’s worth the effort. By creating new household rules and steadily making small changes in your child’s routine, you can curb screen time and its potential effects.”

Read the rest of the article here: Source: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/children-and-screen-time#:~:text=Although%20some%20screen%20time