Research // The harmful Effects of too much screen time for children

Information sourced from: https://www.verywellfamily.com/the-negative-effects-of-too-much-screen-time-1094877

Sleep Problems - The light emitted from screens interferes with the sleep cycle in the brain and can lead to insomnia.

Behavioural Problems - Access to the computer or TV for more than 2hrs a day can cause behavioural problems and children are more likely to have emotional, social, and attention problems. Excessive TV viewing has even been linked to increased bullying behaviour. 

Educational problems - Children with TVS in their room do worse on academic tests 

Violence - Exposure to violent TV shows, movies, music, and video games can cause children to become desensitised to it. Eventually, they may use violence to solve problems and may imitate what they see on TV. 

Digital devices can harm your relationship with your child 

Adults as well as children can suffer from obesity and sleeping issues. 

In a 2015 survey by AVG Technologies, one-third of children reported feeling unimportant when their parents looked at their smartphones during meals or when playing together. Even replying to a quick text message could be sending your child another message—that your phone is more important than he is. 

Giving your child interrupted care—by repeatedly checking your smartphone—could also affect his development and his mental health. A 2016 study suggests looking at your digital devices could increase your child's chances of developing mental health problems, like depression.

Establishing Family Rules With Electronics

Consider occasional family detoxs from electronic devices! Create a screen-free night once a week or commit to unplugging one weekend a month. It could be good for everyone's physical and emotional health, as well your family's relationships.

House hold rules to be considered: 

- No digital devices during family meals 
- No screen time in the car 
- No screens allowed in bedrooms 
- No electronics during family fun nights