Internet overdose: how screen time addiction risks your child's development

Consider the first parent who has never used their phone as a distraction for their child to judge. When a toddler is engrossed in a cartoon or a game, it gives parents free time to handle other tasks. Nevertheless, this behavior can be risky, as children can become quickly hooked to the internet. This can lead to a severe problem that sometimes requires professional help.

Studies reveal that up to 20% of kids aged between 1 and 2 years have easy access to the internet. As they grow older, this percentage significantly increases. Toddlers absorb knowledge effortlessly, and using a phone is second nature. Regrettably, spending an extended period in front of a screen can adversely impact their psychological development. Medical professionals suggest that children up to the age of two years should not have any exposure to TV and the Internet. An overload of stimuli can distort their understanding of the real world.

Older children, up to five years old, should spend one hour a day in front of a screen, ideally under complete parental supervision. Between the ages of six and twelve, a child should spend no more than two hours a day in front of a screen. However, parental control over what the child watches is still crucial. Video games and various types of cartoons are often violent, and this is exposure kids should avoid.

It's widely known that the brain is a highly adaptable organ that requires continual stimulation. It undergoes multiple transformations throughout one's life. The first few years of life are the most crucial! A child needs to explore the world with all their senses, but the internet can hinder this natural curiosity. Prolonged screen time can lead to several issues, such as addiction, hyperactivity, aggression, and withdrawal from loved ones.

As your child grows, set definitive rules for using electronic devices. This could include allotted hours for internet usage or implementing parental control on mobile devices. Set a good example if you want your child to develop a healthy relationship with the internet. Children will likely mimic that behavior if parents are constantly on their phones. Instead of relying on-screen entertainment, find other ways to engage your child: take them to the park, play a board game, or plan a neighborhood outing.