If you’ve seen a toddler glued to a device lately, chances are they’re watching Cocomelon, Peppa Pig, Blippi or Bluey. While the kids love it, opinions amongst parents are divided, and screen time is a sensitive topic too. Some parents swear by the benefits insisting it has helped their child’s literacy, others consider it a harmless but necessary diversion to allow them to get some work done, and then there are those who avoid kids’ TV like the plague.

The World Health Organisation is unambiguous in its guidelines, stating that all children should refrain from any screen time until two years of age. After this, the guide is up to one hour per day until five years of age.

Neurological developmental therapist Ollwyn Moran says that in reality, approximately 86% of six-month-olds have access to or use handheld screen devices.

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“What parents need to figure out is how they are using screen time and why they are giving it to their child,” Ollwyn told RSVP. “Once you figure out your needs then you figure out the best approach.”

Ollwyn Moran

The Health Impacts

Spending long hours staring at a screen definitely takes a toll on a child’s body. And it’s time we stopped ignoring the risks of allowing our kids to overdose on their screens.

“The growth and development that the brain goes through in the first three years of life is exponential and hugely critical,” Ollwyn explains. “At this time our brains are particularly sensitive to the environment around us. And the foundations for all other brain functions are built. The flashing images, noises, immediate rewards at a swipe of digital devices are exactly what young brains do not need. It can be totally overwhelming and too much stimulation is as damaging as not enough.

“For babies there are no pros to screen time – the key way little ones learn as babies is from caregivers. Human centric interactions.”

During the pre-school years, children acquire the language and communication skills necessary to express their needs, thoughts and feelings in social interactions, and they learn to respond appropriately too, building respectful, positive interactions and relationships.

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However, Olwyn says the more time children this age spent watching TV, was associated with “higher ratings on: negative emotions, emotional reactivity, aggression, attention problems and lower levels of soothability”.

Excessive screen time not only strains kids’ eyes and leaves them feeling dry, but can also lead to retina damage and blurred vision. Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is becoming more common in children and the requirement for corrective glasses is up

year on year. There is also a rise in issues with underdeveloped motor skills in children’s hands, and an increase in referrals to speech and language therapists.

What You Watch Is Important

For younger children, it’s important to watch shows together. This shared experience allows the parent to interact with their child by asking questions and pointing out key characters, emotions, colours, etc.

“Ideally look for shows that focus on educational and prosocial messages. Shows like Sesame Street, Dora The Explorer, Super Why, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Bluey,” said Ollwyn.

A TV is better than A Tablet

Devices like tablets and smartphones can be more interactive than traditional TV watching, however when it comes to screen time a television is a better choice for children.

“They have a better sitting posture when watching TV, and in addition are less exposed to the blue light given off by screens because they are further away, so it is better for their vision.”

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And, Ollwyn adds, parents are better able to keep an eye on the content if it is on a TV. Letting children watch shows passively hinders their brains from being active and engaged.

Helping children adopt healthy Screen Time Habits

For many, screen time is a reality as any parents who have tried to juggle work with a child at home will know all too well. Here are Ollwyn’s top tips to help enforce healthy screen habits at home:

* Be mindful of the duration.

Using a visual cue or setting a timer on your phone will help you to stay on track. It will also help to signal to your child when time is up. For younger children, when turning off screens try to have an appealing transition activity. Use age appropriate language to set boundaries. They will push those boundaries but it is your job to give them security and consistency.

* Maintain screen-free times throughout the day.

Protect certain activities such as meal times from screens. Aim for a screen-free day at the weekend for family activities. Don’t forget parents must also model good screen behaviour and use.

* Always avoid screens an hour before bed to protect sleep.

Allow your kids to “decompress” after using digital devices; boys in particular are more susceptible to hormonal build-ups during screen time. Having an activity that helps their nervous system to calm down is critical. They will need time outdoors, no matter what the weather is like.

* Don’t be afraid to let your child be “bored”.

Boredom is the gateway to creativity and creative thinking, it’s very beneficial for them. Children need this.

Ollwyn Moran, is the founder and CEO of Cognikids. Ollwyn has an M.Sc in Education and works in the field of NeuroDevelopmental Psychology. For more information visit www.cognikids.com.

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