The excessive use of screens in childhood is trivialized, seen as an opportunity for peace of mind for the parents, and others consider it a high risk to the health of the little ones. The truth is that finding an adequate daily balance is the real challenge.
A study made by a kid tech platform, SuperAwesome, found out that children aged 6 to 12 in the US are spending at least 50% of their daily time fiddling with screens during the quarantine. What can we do?
It is not recommended to cut off the devices from the routine entirely, but it is vital to balance the use of technologies and use them in favor of children’s development. Neuropediatrics of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP), Liubiana Arantes de Araújo, gives a valuable tip: “mix educational films among the games and playful activities. You can allow some screen time and have a quality presence on various occasions throughout the day,” she says.
In addition to that, we have compiled other tips that can help in the day by day life of the little ones. Check this out:
- The deal you settle is essential: make it clear how many episodes of a show the child may watch or even stipulate a time during which they may play and fiddle with the screens;
- Be firm: once the deal is settled, stick to it;
- Make an example of yourself: while spending time with them, prioritize activities that involve affective presence;
- Less passivity: always ask about a game or a video that the child is watching; thus you can contribute to critical thinking regarding everything they come across;
- Mediation is vital: always monitor electronic devices, seek to learn and understand what the child is watching or playing;
- Always talk with them: using a natural language, explaining the importance of having limits, and using screens;
- Varied activities: nothing replaces the eye on eye contact and the moments of skin on skin. Therefore, encourage physical and face-to-face events.
Source: Leiturinha and Crescer Magazine
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