Screen Time and Child Development: How to Create a Healthy Balance

Screen time is a topic that causes a lot of debate and concern. In an age where tablets and phones are an integral part of our daily lives, parents often ask: "How much is too much? Does it harm a child's development? And how can we find a balance so that technology is a help, not a hindrance?"

The truth is, there are no simple answers. Screens can be a wonderful source of information and entertainment, but if not managed wisely, they also pose risks. The key isn't to completely reject them, but to build conscious and healthy habits.

When Does Screen Time Become a Problem?

• Disrupted sleep: The bright light from screens can suppress the production of melatonin—the sleep hormone. If a child uses a device before bed, it can lead to difficulties falling asleep and poor quality sleep.
• Social isolation: Instead of playing with friends or family, children may prefer to spend their time in front of a screen, which can limit the development of their social skills.
• Lack of focus: The constant stream of information and the fast-paced visuals in games and videos can make it harder for a child to concentrate and can shorten their attention span.
• Increased irritability: Excessive screen time often leads to nervousness and irritability, especially when the device is taken away.

How to Create Healthy Habits

• Introduce rules for the whole family: Don't let the restrictions apply only to the child. When parents also put their phones away during meals or conversations, they set a good example.
• Create screen-free zones: Designate areas in the home (such as the dining room or bedroom) where the use of devices is forbidden. This helps to create clear boundaries and encourages other activities.
• Plan screen time: Work with your child to determine how much time they will spend in front of a screen. It's important for them to know that this is an agreement, not a punishment. To be effective, the time needs to be measured and allocated.
• Use screens together: Instead of leaving the child alone with a device, turn screen time into a family activity. Watch an educational film together, play a co-operative game, or search for information about shared interests.
• Encourage alternatives: Constantly offer interesting alternatives to screen time—playing outside, drawing, reading a book, or playing board games. Make them more appealing than the phone or tablet.

Screen time is a challenge, but with the right approach and open communication, you can turn technology into a useful tool for learning and development. The best way to teach a child healthy habits is to practise them yourself, because personal example is the most powerful form of upbringing.