Parenting Pointers - Kids and Screens

I recently had a chance to interview Counsellor Lee Hawker-Lecesne from The Cabin about kids and screens. The Cabin is Asia’s most respected rehab. Located in Chiang-Mai, Thailand, and with a clinical team that has more than 50 years’ experience and has successfully treated over 5,000 inpatients from around the world. For more information about The Cabin, please visit https://www.thecabinchiangmai.com/

 Why is it important for families to help their kids find balance in screen use?

The internet has become an undeniable part of modern life, and for children, it represents a vast playground filled with opportunities for learning, connection, and creativity. From educational apps to interactive games, the digital world offers a treasure trove of experiences that can supplement traditional learning and ignite a child's curiosity. However, as with any playground, there are potential hazards alongside the benefits. It is crucial for families to find a balance in screen use to ensure children's healthy development and well-being.

Excessive screen time can lead to various physical health issues. A sedentary lifestyle, often associated with prolonged screen use, can increase the risk of obesity, disrupt sleep patterns, and strain vision. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with circadian rhythms, causing sleep disturbances that affect overall health and cognitive function.

“From a mental health perspective, the impact of screen use is significant” says Lee Hawker-Lecesne, Clinical Director at The Cabin. “While online platforms can offer valuable educational resources and social connections, overreliance on screens can contribute to anxiety, depression, and social isolation.” Research has demonstrated that the curated highlight reels on social media can foster unrealistic body image expectations and diminish self-esteem. Cyberbullying, facilitated by the anonymity of the internet, has also been evidenced to contribute to severe emotional distress.

“Cognitive development is also influenced by screen time” suggests Lee. “While interactive learning platforms can be beneficial, excessive passive consumption of digital media can hinder critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Early childhood is a critical period for brain development, and a balanced approach that includes real-world experiences is essential for fostering healthy cognitive growth.”

Face-to-face interactions are vital for developing social skills. Excessive screen time can limit opportunities for children to build empathy, communication abilities, and meaningful relationships. Strong social connections are fundamental to emotional health and future success.

The immersive nature of online gaming can lead to addiction, with detrimental effects such as sleep disturbances, social isolation, and academic decline. Exposure to inappropriate content and cyberbullying are additional risks. Social media, while connecting friends and family, can also create pressures to maintain a perfect online persona, impacting mental well-being.

To navigate these challenges, families should establish clear boundaries and maintain open communication. Setting screen time limits, engaging in online activities together, and encouraging alternative activities like outdoor play and creative pursuits can help maintain a healthy balance. Recognizing warning signs of internet addiction and seeking professional guidance if needed is also crucial.

Ultimately, the responsibility lies with families to equip children with the tools to thrive in the digital age. Open communication fosters a safe space for discussing online experiences and concerns. Setting clear boundaries and promoting digital literacy skills help children navigate the online world critically and responsibly. 

Lee emphasizes, "The digital world is here to stay. By prioritizing a balanced approach, fostering open communication, and equipping our children with the right tools, we can empower them to become responsible digital citizens and lifelong learners. By finding a balance in screen use, families can ensure children benefit from the digital world while safeguarding their physical, mental, and social well-being.”

Why is it important to realize that not all screen time is equal?

 

Understanding that not all screen time is created equal is fundamental to guiding children through the digital age. It's akin to recognizing that not all foods are equally nutritious; while some provide essential sustenance, others offer empty calories. In the context of screen use, educational content and interactive platforms that stimulate learning and critical thinking represent the nutritional equivalent of screen time. These digital experiences can supplement traditional education, offering personalized learning paths, engaging content, and opportunities for cognitive development. “Research has shown that interactive screen time, which includes activities like problem-solving games, educational apps, and creative digital projects, can enhance critical thinking, improve language skills, and foster creativity in children” says Lee.

On the other hand, excessive consumption of passive content, such as mindless scrolling through social media or binge-watching videos, can be likened to consuming junk food. This type of screen time provides little cognitive or educational value and can contribute to unhealthy habits. Studies have indicated that passive screen time is associated with negative outcomes, such as decreased attention spans, poor academic performance, and a sedentary lifestyle that can lead to obesity and other health issues. “Prolonged exposure to social media has been linked to increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of social isolation” says Lee, “as children and adolescents often compare themselves to the idealized images they see online”.

Moreover, the nature of screen interaction matters significantly. Active engagement, such as online gaming with friends or creating digital content, can foster social interaction, enhance problem-solving skills, and encourage creativity. These activities can provide children with valuable skills that are transferable to real-world situations. For instance, collaborative online games can improve teamwork and communication skills, while creating digital art or coding projects can boost technical abilities and self-expression. 

Conversely, passive consumption, like watching videos or endlessly scrolling through social media feeds, offers limited cognitive stimulation and can hinder the development of essential life skills. Passive screen time often leads to a lack of physical activity, which is crucial for overall health and well-being.

By differentiating between these types of screen activities, parents can make informed decisions about screen time limits and content. Setting appropriate boundaries and prioritizing high-quality, interactive screen time can promote a balanced and enriching digital experience for children. 

It is essential for parents to engage with their children's digital activities, guiding them towards content that is both educational and entertaining. Additionally, encouraging offline activities, such as physical exercise, reading, and face-to-face social interactions, can help maintain a healthy balance between screen time and real-world experiences.

Lee underscores the importance of this balanced approach: "The key to healthy screen use lies in distinguishing between beneficial and detrimental screen activities. By fostering an environment where educational and interactive screen time is encouraged, while also setting limits on passive consumption, we can help children develop into well-rounded individuals with strong cognitive, social, and emotional skills. This balanced approach ensures that children can benefit from the digital world without compromising their overall health and development."

Lee suggests that “recognizing the differences in screen time quality and content is crucial for parents striving to support their children's growth in the digital age. By making informed choices during the holiday season and beyond they can begin promoting a healthy balance, while mitigating its potential risks.”

If families have older kids, how can they help shift habits that may already be ingrained?

Shifting ingrained screen habits in older children requires a multifaceted approach that combines patience, understanding, and open communication. It's essential for parents and caregivers to approach the situation with empathy to avoid creating conflict, thereby fostering a supportive environment for change.

“Leading by example is a critical strategy” says Lee. “Children are more likely to adopt new behaviours when they see their parents modelling healthy screen use.” Parents can demonstrate the value of offline experiences by limiting their own screen time during family meals, bedtime routines, and other shared activities. This not only sets a positive example but also emphasises the importance of face-to-face interactions and shared experiences.

Open dialogue is key to addressing ingrained screen habits. Encouraging open conversations about the impact of screen time allows children to reflect on their own behaviours and understand the broader implications. “This approach should be non-confrontational; avoiding blame or shame is crucial as these can lead to resistance” says Lee. “Instead, try and focus on understanding their perspective, validating their feelings, and collaboratively exploring potential alternatives to excessive screen use.”

Setting clear boundaries and expectations within the household can help manage screen time more effectively. Establishing designated screen-free times or zones encourages children to engage in other activities. Involving children in creating these guidelines fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, making them more likely to adhere to the new rules.

Offering engaging alternatives is essential for reducing screen time. Introducing new hobbies, sports, or clubs provides children with a variety of interests beyond their screens. Exploring outdoor activities, creative outlets, or volunteer opportunities can foster a sense of purpose and connection, helping them realise the value of diverse experiences.

“A gradual reduction in screen time is often more effective than sudden changes” says Lee. “I would recommend starting by setting small, achievable goals and progressively decrease screen time. Celebrating milestones and acknowledging progress is really important, as this can help maintain motivation and reinforce positive behaviour changes”.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a balanced lifestyle that incorporates both digital and offline experiences. By fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, families can empower older children to make informed choices about their screen use.