Sakshi Joshi, IT professional and mother to three-year-old Janhvi, has been noticing her toddler becoming increasingly annoyed even after she is given her favourite treats and toys.
Used to three to four hours of watching cartoons and videos, she is frustrated when she is not given screen time.
Working on weaning Janhvi off the mobile, Sakshi explains her experience: “I was advised by a paediatrician to cut screen time on a regular visit, but due to my schedule, I didn’t do it.”
Janvhi doesn’t use the mobile phone now when she is around the child. “I have been encouraging long book reading and playtime sessions,” she says.
Dr Sowmyashree Kaku, child psychiatrist, Aster CMI Hospital, has observed a 30 per cent rise, since the last five years, in cases of parents coming with concerns about their children’s screen time.
“Many children spend four to six hours on gadgets. This leads to many developmental problems, affecting the child’s speech, attention span, concentration skills and social interaction. Excess screen time reduces physical activity which in turn can lead to obesity,” she says.
Children can be involved in regular chores like helping out in the kitchen, she believes.
“Many believe an adult needs to be around to engage a child when a parent has to do some chores. You should make sure your child is a part of your kitchen activities and sorting out clothes. Let the child play with a bowl and spoon while you tell a story. Such activities help in communication and motor skills,” explains Dr Sowmyashree.
Screen time management has become a part of parenting, and increasing concern, notes Dr Roshan Jain, senior consultant psychiatrist, Apollo Hospitals.
“Quieting a child with a mobile phone is a common practice now. Parents who speak about children being addicted to gadgets are culprits themselves. It is essential for parents to use the phone minimally around children,” he says.
Parents approach him with concerns about preschoolers being defiant and difficult, throwing tantrums, and not eating well.
Exposure to flickering bright light crowds the mind. “This affects the attention span, which can eventually lead to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder,” he says.
Taking away a digital device and introducing building blocks or similar games is the way to go, he adds.
Dr Safiya M S, consultant psychiatrist, Mind and Brain Clinic, says something simple like a vegetable or fruit or even dough can help the child develop fine motor skills.
“Such activities are explorative and exciting; they relate to texture differences, colours, and thickness,” she says.
Smartphones provide immediate gratification and can increase anger outbursts and tantrums in a child.
Activities, like making a round ball out of dough, create a sense of accomplishment.
“Scribbling with crayons on a notepad or a newspaper, and identifying words or images help develop life-skills,” she says.
Limit it
The World Health Organisation clearly states infants younger than one should not be allowed any screen time.
The directives also encourage floor-based play, and not restraining the child in a stroller or high chair for more than an hour.
It is considered best to restrict screen time to an hour a day among two- to four-year-olds and encourage more physical activities and quality sleep.
Doctors recommend parents keep these directives in mind while planning their day for their children.
Reasons cited for kids’ screen time
- Distract and feed fussy children.
- Keep kids engaged when parents are busy.
- Parents’ need for ‘me time’ after a day’s work.
Healthy alternatives
- Talk to the child, tell a story while feeding the child.
- Play games with your child and read books.
- Introduce simple games, for eg: Spot 10 words starting with the letter A in a newspaper.
- Involve kids in simple chores like sorting clothes.
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