An expert has revealed the recommended time restrictions parents should place on their children when it comes to screen time such as playing computer/video games. Tablets, on-demand TV and gaming have filled the gap where playing outdoors, colouring books and making dens once ruled.
But mental health nurse expert Jennifer Johnson has warned that being too lax about the amount of time kids spend staring at screens could be a recipe for behavioural disaster - and contribute to a lack of motor control development. She says it is up to parents to implement boundaries and also watch their own screen time to ensure they’re not setting a bad example.
Jennifer, who works with on-demand expert service JustAnswer, explained: “A general guide is that those aged two and below should not play video games. Their development and stimulation should come from facial and voice contact with family, as well as physical toys that make sounds and can be grabbed or worked with.
“Children aged two to five should have a maximum of one hour a day, and children aged five and above should have no more than two hours a day. This excludes the amount of time needed for school work. And be aware of how much time adults in the household spend on their phones too, as this can give your child mixed messages.”
Smartphones and tablets have been blamed for a host of childhood development issues, including poor eye health and stunted physical growth. Studies have highlighted that many school age children can’t hold a pen properly and are unable to manipulate small objects. They also struggle with ball skills.
This has been put down to the fact that they use their fingers mainly to touch and swipe screens, rather than bend and grip while drawing and making crafts. The development of gross and fine motor control is therefore. Screen time is also cited as the cause of shorter concentration spans and feelings of anxiety and isolation amongst young people.
But Jennifer says that denying children access to technology is unrealistic as they need to learn how it is used in the modern world. Instead, parents should create clear rules and maintain good communication with their offspring.
She added: “These boundaries should be consistent but flexible enough so that a child who occasionally asks for a bit more time to finish a game should be allowed that. It’s a good idea to allow your child to choose when they want their ‘gaming time’. Ask them if they’d like all two hours at once or if they’d want an hour before and after their dinner.
“This helps a child feel more on-board with the boundaries and that they have a choice in their screen time and would therefore be more likely to stick to the limits.”
It’s not just the time spent playing these games that’s important, according to the medical expert. Jennifer said: “Of course, you need to look at the quality of the games you’re letting your children play.
“There are social benefits to playing some games, such as when one forms a team. Others help stimulate creativity and development of problem-solving skills. However, certain games can glorify violence and children can be exposed to harmful chats.
“While playing on-screen games children are in constant ‘stimulation’ mode and this causes physical and emotional changes. The centre of the developing brain can be stimulated the same as when someone experiences an addiction.
“As such, a child who is overstimulated and aroused might resist when it comes to the end of their gaming time. Parents need to know and understand what their children are playing. If they become aggressive or distressed when their time limit is up, it might be worth contacting the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) as things might have gone too far.
“If your child does resist, keep your voice calm and don’t give in. Help your child find less stimulating games and cut down the time limits. Make sure both parents are on the same page when it comes to the boundaries so one doesn’t allow more time than the other.”
