A Bad Case of Excessive Screen Time

Many children these days spend a lot of time on screens such as phones, computers, and television. However, young children may be unaware of the consequences of spending too much time on their devices. Spending too much time watching screens may result in health problems, unwanted and unhealthy behavior, and developmental difficulties in children.

When children are constantly on their devices, it could become very problematic for their health. Phones, computers, and tablets all emit radiation, which is the same energy that microwaves release. Exposure to excessive radiation is bad for anyone, especially young children (Hardell). Because children have thinner skulls than an average adult, a higher screen time causes their brains to absorb more radiation, which can lead to brain tumors or unusual cells that grow inside the brain (Hardell). Staring at screens for too long can also permanently damage children’s hearing and vision. Consequently, health concerns prove that children should not use their screens excessively. (Hardell).

Another problem for children when they use their devices for too long is that the devices can cause bad behavior. Technology disrupts the brain’s sleep cycle or circadian rhythm; therefore, when children play on devices often, they would not sleep very well. Not getting enough sleep will lead to fatigue the next day, and they would not be able to think before they act (Jiang). This further results in unwanted and ill behavior. Additionally, when children are on their devices, they are not exercising, which could result in children displaying bad behavior (Caplin). When people exercise, their brains release a hormone called endorphins that makes them happy instead of stressed; thus, when children are playing on devices instead of exercising, endorphins are not released, which can lead to stressful moods (Caplin).

Lastly, children who are always on their devices may have problems with their development. When children are on their devices, they are not able to practice their motor skills, which is the ability to move their bodies around. Inadequate usage of one’s motor skills could result in slower development in physical abilities (Valone). Furthermore, on devices, there are apps that allow users to color, play games, and solve puzzles; however, these apps are not good for children because they disable children to use their hands and brains to figure things out (Valone). Apps will always enable children to color perfectly or provide hints on puzzles and games, thus not helping with a child’s creativity and problem-solving skills (Valone). Moreover, because screen time messes with the quality of sleep, screens can also affect children’s memory and their learning abilities (Jiang). Finally, when children are playing on screens, they are not socializing with others. This causes a problem since the child may become antisocial because they gradually lose the ability and habit of socializing (Trawick-Smith). Accordingly, too much screen time can cause multiple developmental problems for young children.

It is essential for children to understand why too much screen time is bad for them so that when they are on their devices, they can display self-control in time management for the sake of themselves.

References

Caplin, Andrew. “The Effects of Exercise Intensity on the Cortisol Response to a Subsequent Acute Psychosocial Stressor.” Psychoneuroendocrinology, vol. 131, Sep. 2021. www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306453021002109. Accessed 7 Sep. 2022.

Hardell, Lennart. “Effects of Mobile Phones on Children's and Adolescents' Health: A Commentary.” Child Development, vol. 00, no. 0, 201, May 2017, pp.1-4. www.researchgate.net/publication/316974592_Effects_of_Mobile_Phones_on_Children%27s_and_Adolescents%27_Health_A_Commentary. Accessed 7 Sep. 2022.

Jiang, Fan. “Sleep and Early Brain Development” Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 75, no.1, 19 Jun. 2019, pp. 44-53. www.karger.com/Article/Pdf/508055. Accessed 7 Sep. 2022.

Trawick-Smith, Jeffery. “The Physical Play and Motor Development of Young Children: A Review of Literature and Implications for Practice.” Center for Early Childhood Education. www.shuiguodaixiao.com/center-for-early-childhood-education/about-us/publications-documents/benefits-of-play-lit-review.pdf. Accessed 7 Sep. 2022.

Valone, Sharon. “Is Modern Technology Affecting Our Children’s Musculoskeletal and Neurological Development?” Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, vol. 14, no. 3, March 2014, pp. 1122. jccponline.com/Vol14Issue02.pdf#page=6%5C. Accessed 7 Sep. 2022.