Screen Time Alternatives to Support Development in Kids
Setting screen time limits and finding screen time alternatives are SO important
for our children! Help your kids in ALL AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT with these
ideas from a pediatric occupational therapist.
Our world is constantly changing due to technological advances. Digital
devices are everywhere providing us with quick communication, convenience,
entertainment, and instant information at the tap of the screen.
Digital devices are in the hands of adults, teenagers, young children, and even
very little children now.
They’re in many environments in our society where they never existed before.
Nor were they ever needed before. And they’ve made their way into our
schools.
They’re popular! Many teens and adults probably couldn’t function without
them. (Guilty!)
But there is so much to be concerned about regarding the amount of time
spent on mobile devices and screens.
It’s negatively impacting the health of teens and adults. More importantly, we
don’t yet know the long term damage to our young children. And the short
term damage is already evident in kids.
The increased use of screens in kids is extremely concerning to me as an
occupational therapist. Young kids are spending way too much time on
screens.
It’s disheartening when I see children on a phone or tablet in the grocery store,
at a restaurant, at a sporting event, during a meal, before bedtime, during a
short errand run in the car, or at a walk in the park in a stroller!!
And now I’m seeing an increased use with them in our schools.
This needs to change. Quickly! Before too much damage is done.
Let’s work together to decrease screen use in our kids! It’s creating a bad habit
that’s negatively impacting children’s bodies, brains and nervous systems. Too
much screen use can actually alter brain functioning and impede overall
development.
