Sherab Ramo
Last year, 200 virtual pediatric cases of autism were identified at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu. This condition is caused by children spending too much time looking at screens.
Especially for children, overexposure to screens can have negative effects on a child's development and health. It can affect their social skills, sleep patterns, and overall health. Therefore, addressing this issue is important to promote healthy habits and ensure children's well-being.
The phrase “Ya Phone alu” has become popular among parents who give their children phones and devices to keep them occupied while they focus on their work or socialize with friends. Ta. This trend reflects a change in the way children are raised, with digital devices often being used in place of direct communication and interaction with children.
As a result, meaningful communication between parents and children is reduced, which can affect family relationships and relationships.
One parent interviewed by Kuensel expressed the sentiment that in today's day and age, children are content to have a cell phone in their hands and don't seem to need anything else. This highlights the widespread reliance on digital devices for entertainment and distraction among children, which overshadows other important aspects of children's development and interaction with the world around them. there is a possibility.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, children under 24 months of age should not be exposed to screens at all. For a child between the ages of 2 and 5, screen time should be limited to a maximum of 1 hour per day.
These guidelines are intended to promote the healthy development and well-being of young children, as excessive screen time can have negative effects on physical and mental health.
The mother of two emphasized the importance of balancing screen time for both parents and children, highlighting the impact it has on social skills and the parent-child relationship. She suggested setting rules at home, such as not allowing children to use cell phones or gadgets alone and instead engaging with them during screen time.
By playing, watching, or being nearby, parents can strengthen bonds with their children and encourage healthier habits around technology use.
“I wasn't sure how much time my kids were spending on their phones, so I decided to download a Screen Time app that would send me an alert after two hours of screen time,” says the parent of two. said one Sonam. The kids.
This proactive approach reflects growing concern among parents about their children's screen time habits and the need to monitor and regulate them for their children's health.
As children spend more and more time online, it's understandable that parents are concerned about the various cyber risks their children may encounter. These risks include online bullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and other potential dangers.
Parents are understandably concerned about protecting their children from these risks, and often look for ways to educate and protect them while navigating the digital world.
The 29-year-old mother suggested that when giving a device or mobile phone to a child, parents should also get involved by Googling it, playing with it, or watching it together. This way, parents can always know what their children are doing online.
If that's not possible, you can use a parental control app. Track how much time your kids spend on their phones and what games and videos they indulge in.
Parent Kuenga said social media can be a valuable parenting tool. We provide access to a wealth of knowledge and opportunities to connect with people and support groups. However, Kuenga also warned that social media can sometimes be overwhelming and confusing due to the sheer amount of information available.
Ms. Yanley, an Early Childhood Care Development (ECCD) facilitator with 12 years of experience, emphasized the importance of establishing predictability in children's daily lives, especially in early childhood, from birth to age eight.
Planning and creating schedules help children develop discipline, grow, and gain a deeper understanding of their environment. This structured approach fosters a sense of stability and security, which is important for overall development.
She explained that simple social cues, such as having a specific area for play or study, can help children understand without constant reminders. By designating separate spaces for different activities, children learn where each task is done and where objects belong.
This approach teaches organization and reinforces routines without the need for ongoing supervision.
Mr Yanley suggested introducing rules for children to engage in activities like playing, dancing or taking a walk before being allowed 15 to 20 minutes of screen time.
She emphasized the importance of incorporating play into the parent-child relationship, as through play children develop social skills, learn about the world and acquire new abilities.
Additionally, play strengthens the bond between children and parents, fostering deeper connection and understanding.
