28 Nov The Detrimental Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Children and Young Adults
Empowering Strategies for Monitoring and Reducing Usage
In this digital age, screen time has become an integral part of children’s and young adults’ lives. And while there are unquestionably many advantages to advancing technology within the modern world, for many families it has become increasingly difficult to avoid long periods of screen time. We know that excessive periods of screen time can have numerous negative effects on the development and well-being of children and young adults. The long-term effects on both physical and mental health are becoming more widely known and, this provides us with the opportunity to implement strategies that will support more positive relationships with technology.
In this blog, we will delve a little more into the adverse effects of prolonged screen time and provide practical strategies for monitoring and reducing usage, with constructive advice provided by trained social care and childcare Freedom Group experts.
What we know
Lengthy periods of screen, such as gaming, watching TV, and mobile phone use can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. The NHS guidelines suggest that children aged 5-18 aim for 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per day, across a variety of activities. Movement doesn’t need to be completed within a single 60-minute period and can be spread out throughout the day. Physical movement will help to decrease the chances of developing obesity and other chronic diseases.
In an NHS survey published in 2022, one startling statistic reported that 8.0% of children aged 7 to 16 years and 22.0% of young people aged 17 to 24 years had a probable mental disorder. While technology can’t be solely held accountable for these findings, we do know that depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem are linked to screen time. With online bullying and trolling at an all-time high, social media platforms can be a source of contributing to feelings of inadequacy and social isolation.
A further concern of excessive screen time is the potential impact on cognitive development. As adults, we know from our own screen usage how it can impact our attention span. The same applies to children and young people, with studies also showing that there can be an effect on speech development and cognitive skills.
What next?
The good news is, as parents and carers we are in a position to apply small changes which will support us in reducing the impact of screen time on children. By reducing screen time children will see advantages in their physical and mental health and their overall well-being.
Involving children in the decision-making process of how much screen time you agree to be appropriate plus role modelling your own reduction in screen time will help with the transitioning across to a more active and healthy lifestyle. Parental and carer involvement in setting screen time boundaries will support push-back and creating new routines at home will encourage children to find alternative activities and try new experiences.
Our childcare expert, Rebecca Saintey suggests initially a great place to start is encouraging physical activities through outdoor play, sports, hobbies, and play-dates. Rebecca comments, “The increased costs of childcare, food, and clothes are affecting parents across the country, however many physical activities can be enjoyed with little to no cost. Local playgrounds, dog walks with friends and family, Junior Parkrun, and coastal and forest visits can all be enjoyed along the South Coast. Face-to-face interactions also benefit friendships and social skills”.
By monitoring and reducing screen time, we can provide children and young adults with opportunities to engage in activities that promote mental health and well-being. Encouraging reading, creative activities, and hobbies can help to build self-esteem, reduce stress, and help contribute to a more positive outlook on life.
Emma Beddow, Freedom Social Care Manager notes ‘While we must appreciate and embrace the positives that modern-day technology brings to our lives, moderation is key for both adults and children. Within Freedom Care, we often see how social media and online gaming have caused stress and friction within families. However, by monitoring and implementing strategies families can take back control and create a more balanced relationship with technology’.
Freedom offers a broad range of services across both childcare and social care and has over these years developed a deep understanding of what ingredients are needed to keep a family on track and how change obtains traction and better outcomes. We are trained in providing internet safety guidance, equipping parents and carers with the tools needed to safeguard their children online, ensuring accessed content and apps are age appropriate.
Find out more about our Young Person Mentoring, Family Support and Family Coaching services here.
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