5 years ago · Admin · Comments Off on Maintaining screen time in children during COVID-19 and Lockdown
Maintaining screen time in children during COVID-19 and Lockdown
With more time being spent over the internet new set of concerns related to children have emerged. These include, will the increased screen time lead to internet or gaming addiction, childhood obesity due to inactivity, what if children are viewing age inappropriate content, will they be mentally affected by the deluge of information and misinformation on the pandemic how do we protect children online from abuse and cyberbullying.
While parents at times may feel that the dangers of using internet outweigh its benefits, however, a world without internet doesn’t seem possible. Most schools have started online classes. Research indicates that online games and social media provide escape and Social engagement. Internet is a major tool for learning, acquiring new hobbies and meaningfully engaging them even when confined indoors.
Around 3 billion people in 130 countries are under lockdown or have restricted movements due to COVID-19 and 90% of children are homebound and cut off from school reports UNICEF. For them Internet has emerged as a critical tool for education, entertainment, recreation, information and communication.
Adopting a balanced approach is more beneficial for children to take advantage of the internet and social media while reducing the potential risks. For that parents should:
Establish a daily routine even during lockdown. Fixed time for sleep and staying awake hours, family time, engage in hobbies, exercise , study and internet .
Be aware of the content the child is viewing. Parents can control the screen time, set up restricted modes to limit inappropriate content,restrict direct messaging on certain social media platforms so that the children do not fall prey to predators. Parents should set up strict rules about which areas in the house the child is using internet, what they are viewing, talk to them about cyber safety and have an open conversation.
Ensure that the child has adequate physical activity everyday.
This lockdown has also provided us with an oppurtunity to spend quality time with the children either playing games or doing some activity as a family or simply listening to the children so that their concerns related to the current pandemic and lockdown can be addressed.
Encourage children to stay in touch with their friends so that in such uncertain times children are able to maintain their positivity and can stay away from fear and anxiety.