In today’s digital era, children’s involvement with screens is increasing rapidly. Mobile, TV, tablet and video games have now become an important part of their everyday life. While on one hand these gadgets give children new opportunities for entertainment and learning, on the other hand their excessive use is having a serious impact on their health. A recent study has further increased this concern, claiming that excessive screen time can have a negative impact on the heart health of children.
Actually, sitting in front of the screen for a long time reduces the physical activity of children, due to which their body gradually starts becoming sluggish. Along with this, habits like irregular daily routine, lack of sleep and wrong eating habits are also added, which can increase the risk of heart related problems. Let us know in this article what has been mentioned in the study and how to keep children away from screen time.
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What does Steed say?
According to the study of the Journal of the American Heart Association, The study found that the more time children spend in front of mobile, TV or other screens, the more their risk of heart-related problems increases. These problems include conditions like high blood pressure, increased cholesterol and insulin resistance. According to research, its effect was seen to be more serious on small children, because their body is still in the growth stage. It also came to light that some negative effects of screen time can be reduced by getting adequate sleep. Let us tell you that Danish researchers have tried to understand this by analyzing the data of more than 1,000 children and adolescents.
How important is distance from the screen?
This does not mean that children should be completely kept away from screens, because in today’s time this is almost impossible. But parents should keep in mind how much time children are spending on the screen. Providing frequent breaks, encouraging them to play outside and ensuring adequate sleep can help keep children’s heart healthy.
How to reduce screen time
Keeping children away from screens is no less than a challenge at this time. There are many children who watch mobile phones or TV even while eating. But there is nothing to worry about. There are some easy ways in which you can reduce your child’s screen time. Let us know about them.
Set boundaries gradually- Turning off the screen suddenly is not the right way. Reduce your daily time little by little (like 30 minutes) and change your habit gradually.
Make screen time a reward- Instead of giving screen time directly, give it a chance to earn it. For example, allow screen use only after homework or small household work.
Keep options ready- To keep children from getting bored, give them fun options like board games, painting, puzzles or outdoor games. With this, the child will not get bored and it will also be easier to distance himself from the screen.
Be an example yourself- Children learn what they see. If you are always on the phone, your children will also do the same. Create ‘no phone time’ with family.
Designate a screen-free space Make some places in the house screen-free, like the bedroom and the dining table. This improves sleep and increases time with family.
Keep children active- Motivate children to play outside, ride a bicycle or go for a walk with the family. This will divert their attention from the screen and their health will also remain good.
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