why screen time being reduced can help our children thrive more.
“Making memories, one giggle at a time.” here at MRSports we love seeing the children learning and the fun they also enjoy.
Here’s a breakdown of why this time away from screens is so important:
- Enhanced Cognitive Development: Excessive screen time, especially in early childhood, can negatively impact brain development. Time away from phones allows children to engage in activities that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and longer attention spans, such as free play, reading, and hands-on exploration.
- Improved Sleep Quality: The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it harder for children to fall asleep and achieve restful sleep. Reducing screen time, particularly before bed, leads to better sleep patterns, which in turn supports improved mood, behavior, and focus during the day.
- Stronger Social Skills and Relationships: Face-to-face interactions are crucial for a child’s social and emotional development. Without the distraction of phones, kids have more opportunities to connect with family and peers, learn social cues, develop empathy, and build meaningful relationships through direct communication and collaborative play.
- Increased Physical Activity: Less screen time directly translates to more time for physical activity. This encourages children to move, play outdoors, and engage in sports, which is vital for developing motor skills, coordination, and overall physical health, while also reducing the risk of a sedentary lifestyle and childhood obesity.
- Better Emotional Regulation: Children are still learning to manage their emotions. Excessive screen time can hinder this process and may be linked to increased irritability, anxiety, and difficulty coping with frustration. Time away from devices allows children to develop healthier coping mechanisms and express their feelings in more constructive ways.
- Boosted Creativity and Imagination: Without the constant input and passive consumption of digital media, children are more likely to engage in imaginative and creative play. This fosters originality, self-expression, and the ability to invent games, tell stories, and explore their inner worlds.
- Reduced Behavioral Issues: Some studies suggest a link between excessive screen time and behavioral problems, including aggression, impulsivity, and attention deficits. Limiting screen use can lead to calmer and more emotionally stable behavior.
In essence, time without phones provides children with the necessary space and opportunity to engage with the real world, fostering crucial developmental skills that screens cannot fully replicate.
Screen time for babies and toddlers: how much? – NCT (National Childbirth Trust): While NCT is a charity, this page references NHS advice and WHO recommendations on screen time for young children, offering practical tips for parents. https://www.nct.org.uk/information/baby-toddler/caring-for-your-baby-or-toddler/screen-time-for-babies-and-toddlers-how-much
Screen Time – NHSGGC (NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde): This page discusses the impact of screen time on language development and offers a downloadable leaflet with more information and strategies. https://www.nhsggc.scot/your-health/public-health/health-improvement/glasgow-city-hscp-health-improvement/children-and-young-people/screen-time/
Screen time – Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: Provides recommendations from the World Health Organisation and practical tips like turning off background TV, limiting access, and spending time playing with your child. https://www.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/resources/screen-time/
Screen time – a helpful guide :: Oxfordshire Healthier Together (NHS): This guide highlights risks of too much screen time and offers tips like setting rules, supervising use, and encouraging alternatives. https://www.oxfordshire-healthiertogether.nhs.uk/parentscarers/keeping-your-child-safe-and-healthy/screen-time-helpful-guide
Managing your family’s screentime | For You – Health Under 5s (NHS): This page emphasizes WHO recommendations and practical ways to control screen time, such as setting limits, having screen-free family time, and being a good role model. https://healthforunder5s.co.uk/sections/foryou/managing-your-familys-screentime/
Managing screen time: How exceeding NHS guidelines could affect children – University of Derby: While a university blog, it discusses NHS guidelines and offers tips for parents, including setting family media plans and finding fun alternatives. https://www.derby.ac.uk/blog/managing-screen-time/