We live in a world where screens are now part of everyday life from tablets and computers to TVs and video games. But studies have shown that screen time is affecting sleep patterns and it’s not just teenagers and adults who are feeling it.
Melbourne researchers report that more than half of children aged between two and five years have troubles with sleep – and screen time is having an impact, even at this early age.
According to the La Trobe University study, a survey of parents of 101 Melbourne children aged two to five years found 54% had sleep issues.
64% used electronic devices, including computers and tablets, for an average of
19 minutes a day.
Some children watched television and electronic devices for 3 hours a day.
95% of children watched television for an average of an hour a day.
Children who spent the most time on a TV or computer were the worst sleepers.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO AVOID SCREEN OVERKILL
Children need to learn that computer or television time is only part of a busy, fun life. As well as time in front of a screen they need time outside being physically active, time to be creative, time interacting with other kids and time to be quiet, reading or drawing. According to the CSIRO, children who have more than 2 hours screen time a day are more likely to be overweight, be less physically active, drinks more sugary drinks, snacks on foods high in fat and sugar and have fewer social interactions.
Lead by example
There’s not much point directing your kids away from time in front of the TV or computer while you sit and fiddle with your ipad.
Set limits
Set daily or weekly time limits for screen time that everyone has to stick to. Make a rule, for example, that there is no TV before school and not during meals.
Make choices
Encourage kids to choose the shows they want to watch and to record them, rather than just watching one show after the other.
Get active
Plan activities for free time at weekends and after school, so there is not a lot of idle time left over for sitting in front of a screen. Children like to be busy and tend to gravitate towards screens when they are bored. Go for a walk, to the park with a ball or ride bikes or scooters together.
Set boundaries
Keep all computers, TVs and handheld devices out of bedrooms, particularly at bedtime. Use parental controls on TVs and computers to limit access to inappropriate content. Children can be scared or confused by content that isn’t for their age group. Encourage them to let you know about anything they see that doesn’t feel right.
Learn and play
Encourage the use of computers as a learning tool as well as for fun. Teach kids to question what they find online – just because it’s on a computer doesn’t mean the information is accurate or true.
Get involved
Show an interest in what children are looking at online so children won’t feel they have to hide content from you. Encourage creativity where possible.
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