What should be the appropriate time for kids to use phone? – Times of India

All parents are worried about the trend of increasing use of smartphones in daily life. Many parents are still not so much sure about the the right amount and timing of screen time for their children. In the current digital era, it’s critical to weigh the advantages of technology against any potential disadvantages. Here are some useful advice for cutting down on screen time as well as what is the appropriate amount of time for children to spend on their phones.

How much phone time is healthy for kids?

It is often recommended that children aged 6 years and older spend no more than 1 to 2 hours per day on screens, including phones.Children under six should only use screens for one hour a day, according to the instructions. Babies and toddlers under the age of 18 months should not be around screens at all, with the exception of video conversations. Overuse of phones can be detrimental to children’s sleep, mental health, and physical exercise.

Why is screen time restriction necessary?

Overuse of phones can cause issues such as strained eyes, bad posture, and trouble focusing. Excessive screen usage has been linked to impaired brain development, particularly in younger children, according to studies. Kids must participate in off-screen activities that foster social interaction, creativity, and motor skills. Cutting back on phone use helps the kids build better habits like reading, playing outside, and spending time with family.

How should there be limits?

One of the best strategies to limit the screen time is to set pre-defined rules. Establishing phone-free times in the house, such the evenings in the bedroom and during family dinners. Create a daily timetable that includes scheduling screen time after chores or homework is finished. Establishing uniform guidelines guarantees that children comprehend the significance of equilibrium and restraint.

What are some alternative activities?

Finding interesting phone alternatives for kids could help reduce their dependency on screens. Push them to try out new hobbies like sports, outdoor pursuits, or sketching. A great way to replace screen time with your family is to involve them in activities like reading books, playing board games, or cooking together. To keep people interested, the trick is to provide them with interesting options.

How should one use technology wisely?

Setting screen time limits is important, but so is teaching kids how to handle technology responsibly. Present them with educational apps or materials that align with their interests. You can use parental control settings to limit what kids can access. Participating in online learning activities or watching educational movies with someone else might increase the effectiveness of screen time.