By Kinza Zameer (Pakistan)

In a 2015 survey, 49% of parents in the UK seemed to think that children might be effectively distracted by screens when they were busy. But is that a smart option? Well, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) first developed screen time guidelines in 1999, recommended that pediatricians advise parents to avoid TV viewing for children younger than 2 years.

There is nothing to wonder that screens have become the best friends of kids. Nowadays, kids spend most of their time on their phones, laptops, tabs, and TVs instead of giving time to physical engagement. How much screen time is safe for my kids?

As we know, children are becoming overly involved in their social lives and progressively losing interest in the pleasures of living a true life. Allowing children access to screens causes major problems in cognitive and social development.

That’s because children learn by engaging their screen time often fails to provide that opportunity. However, our youngsters are also suffering as a result of excessive screen time; children are not the only ones who are at risk.

Excessive screen use has also been connected to depression in a significant portion of our teenage population. It is imperative that parents keep an eye on their children’s screen time and establish ground rules for what constitutes acceptable screen time.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there are some recommendations to be fulfilled like for kids under 18 months of age no screen time except video calling with family.

For kids aged 18-24 months, it is important for parents to limit the screen time by introducing the high quality that supplements the children’s learning. Similarly from 2-5 years, children should be allowed an hour of media use every day under parental supervision. should As a parent, you ensure that your child’s screen time is not coming in the way of homework, physical activity and real life interaction. In addition that’s not an issue, it’s okay to let your child having a reasonable amount of screen time.

Children who spend too much time on screens may develop numerous behavioral and health issues. First of all, certain toddlers under the age of two may struggle with cognitive development, while other youngsters may exhibit short fused and distressed behavior.

Excessive screen time may also contribute to childhood obesity if it prevents physical activity. It is your duty as a parent to prioritize sports and physical play over electronic games, television, and social media. Research published in JAMA also suggest that children who use digital media in excess have a 10% greater chance of developing Attention Deficit Disorder.

Furthermore, screen like smart phones, laptops and tabs emit high energy blue light which can damage the sensitive retina in the eye and cause vision problems.

Supervising and limiting time for kids is important for keeping them safe from the drastic effects mentioned above. But as a parent, what can you do to reduce and supervise your child screen time?

Here are some recommendations: Check out the shows and games your kids like to play. Talk to your youngster about online safety.

Instruct kids about appropriate conduct on social media and the internet. Tell your kids that there are individuals and businesses that steal personal data and resell it to marketers. Inform them about the kinds of information they can and can’t post online.

Teenagers are even more difficult to control screen time use. Teens need more independence and show more uniqueness so you should give them screen time in moderation unless it means separating them from their families or decreasing their physical activity.

Kinza Zameer, a graduate of Riphah international university Islamabad. Seasoned writer about social affairs and various aspects of society.