Toddler Screen Time Addiction

By Cindy Chuah | Last Reviewed 23 July 2019

In this digital era, preventing young children from being exposed to electronic gadgets is nearly impossible, which applies to toddlers as well. The electronic gadgets span from smartphones, tablets, computers, laptops and more. Whether it's fortunate or unfortunate, I would say it depends on the purpose and amount of usage. The BIG question is, how we should use it interactively and effectively.

Screen time limitation is but just one of the many ways to prevent Screen Time Addiction. Having said that, it is crucial to set a limit especially for young children as they have lesser self-control compared to older children and adults.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), any amount or type of screen media and screen time for children under 2 years of age is discouraged and recommend no more than one to two hours of total screen time per day for children older than 2. Besides limiting screen time, there's actually more of what adults can do to prevent children from suffering screen time addiction. As we all know, when you are addicted to something, it takes a toll to cure the addiction. Therefore, prevention is better than cure!

We can introduce other playtime alternatives to children whether it's indoor or outdoor. Physical, music, puzzles, family-friendly games and more. Most importantly, the adults (parents or caregivers) act as role models else it would not make sense for children to do something that even the adults don't enjoy doing.

You may even set a day in a week as SCREEN FREE DAY whereby everyone in the household is banned from using electronic gadgets. (P.S For working adults, I'm sure this sounds impossible but what I mean is try not to use it in front of children or at the very least, explain to them that it is for work and work only.)

Technology is meant to benefit us all. It is ultimately our responsibility to control the way and how much we use it. The same applies for adults that have the responsibility to educate children.

TIME TO LOG OFF! CIAO~~~~~