You’ve recently given your child access to your iPad. They’re allowed on it for one hour a day, for educational purposes only - how bad can that be? But then, at the end of the week, you check their screen time for the last seven days, and you can’t believe what you see - not only are they using the iPad for well over their allowed time, but they’re using it to play games and watch Youtube! You go to speak to them about this, and where do you find them? That’s right, slumped in front of the TV!

Naturally, you begin to wonder - What effect is all this screen time having on my child? And how can I limit it?

Firstly, don’t panic - you’re not alone in this! Technology is becoming more and more accessible, so it’s harder than ever for parents to control their children’s screen time. With so much of the world now online, it’s only natural that your child is curious about the many ways to use your iPad!

That said, significant screen time can negatively affect your child’s social and psychological development, so it is important to intervene if your child is spending too much time watching TV or using electronic devices.

We’ve put together some advice on how to limit your child from going on screens too much. But first, let’s take a look at the ways in which excessive screen time can negatively impact your child.

How can excessive screen time negatively affect my child?

Reduced attention span. Constantly absorbing content from screens - be it from the television, a computer, or a smartphone - will impair your child’s ability to concentrate and focus. As they get used to being stimulated by ever-changing content, they are less likely to learn how to remain attentive to one thing at a time.

Behavioural problems. If your child is spending a lot of time on screen, they may be more susceptible to boredom and impatience, either now or later down the line. This is because they may start to depend on technology for their entertainment, so the real world and real people will be less likely to satisfy them. Research has shown that various emotional and social issues are also linked to significant screen time.

Lack of human education. Many parents use technology for educational purposes. In moderation, that is absolutely fine. However, your child should not rely on screens for their learning. One of the most important things for a young child’s behavioural and educational development is their exposure to real human interaction.

Poor mental health. If your child’s screen time is at the extreme end of the scale, then they are more likely to develop depression or anxiety as they grow up.

Low quality of sleep. Due to the stimulative effect of screens, too much time spent watching television or playing on the computer may cause your child difficulties when it comes to falling asleep.

Now that we’ve seen the negative effects of too much screen time, let’s explore what you can do to limit this.

How can I limit my child’s screen time?

In this day and age, we know that managing screen time can be a difficult task. However, remember that the effect can be very beneficial for your little one. Here are some tips to help you stop your child from going on screens too much:

Use parental controls. Nowadays, most technological devices have parental control settings that allow you to limit the amount of time your child can spend on them. However, make sure to check for yourself anyway, just in case your child is smart enough to find a way around these settings!

Know what your child is watching. Sometimes, it is not the time spent on screens that can be damaging, but rather the content of what your child is being exposed to. By joining your child when they watch TV, you can ensure that what they are watching is appropriate. If they are using a tablet or smartphone, frequently check in with them to ask what they are doing. Also, to avoid abruptly turning off the television or tablet, let them know when the time to switch it off is approaching.

Suggest other activities. Your child may be resorting to technology because they don't have any other ideas for entertainment. By suggesting other activities, such as playing a board game or inventing a catching game in the garden, you can indirectly reduce your child’s screen time.

Set limits. There’s nothing wrong with laying down rules for your child’s screen time. For example, you could limit them to 1 hour a day on weekends, and not after 8 pm. If your child doesn’t comply, then tell them gently that you may have to ban screens altogether if they don’t follow these rules.

If none of these methods work, or you think your child is severely addicted, then consider contacting a paediatrician or a child therapist.

What should I do if my child is on screens too much?

They're hard to resist. Unii knows how parents can intervene.