Struggling with Screen Time?

Our Kids are at Risk of Digital Dementia and Parents can Help!

 

Why is there excessive screen time?

why are parents using it.

Negative Effects of Screen Time

Excessive screen time in children can have a number of negative effects on child development. No screen time at all is better for all children.

  1. Language and cognitive development: Excessive screen time can interfere with a child's ability to develop their language and cognitive skills, as well as their ability to pay attention and focus.

  2. Social and emotional development: Children who spend too much time in front of screens may find it difficult to form healthy relationships and to understand and regulate their emotions.

  3. Physical development: Children who spend too much time in front of screens are at risk of becoming overweight or obese, and may also have poor posture and vision.

  4. Mental health: Children who spend too much time in front of screens may be at a higher risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

  5. Academic Performance: Excessive screen time can also affect academic performance by reducing time for homework, reading, and other activities that support learning.

    link for article

Recommended Screen Time

Screen Time Allowed by Parents

Increase in Screen Time Ages 0-8

Mental Well-Being

 

Steps to Reduce Screen Time for Children

  1. Set a daily limit for screen time and stick to it.

  2. Encourage physical activities and playtime outside. [link]

  3. Have designated screen-free times, such as during meals or before bedtime.

  4. Provide alternative entertainment options, such as books, games, or art supplies.

  5. Lead by example and limit your own screen time in front of children.

  6. Educate children on the importance of balancing screen time with other activities.

    No Smart Phones for Kids until College

    Firstly, children's brains are still developing, and excessive screen time can negatively impact their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Secondly, having a smartphone at a young age can lead to addiction, cyber bullying, and exposure to inappropriate content. Additionally, smartphones can interfere with face-to-face communication and interpersonal skills, which are crucial for building relationships and navigating the world. It is important for children to have opportunities to develop these skills in a controlled environment, such as in a supervised setting with limited screen time. Waiting until college to give them a smartphone allows them to develop maturity and responsibility and helps them understand the risks and benefits of using this technology.

    No Screens in the Bedrooms

    Children should not have access to phone, television, tablet, and computer in their bedrooms. School homework and research should be done on a computer that is in the main living space of the house where everyone can keep an eye on what is being accessed.

    What if my hifdh student needs to access Quran App for memorization

    There is a wonderful concept called “Screen Time” on smart phones. Apple iphones can be totally controlled by the parent while apps for screen time can be installed on others. You can delete every unnecessary app from the smart phone along with the authority to install any apps by the child. That means that a child can have an iPhone with NO Safari, YouTube, Mail, Messenger or have some of these apps with 1 minute of allowed time. And have access to all the needed apps like Quran, calendar, Zoom, and calculator. Here is a link on tutorial.

    Books Showing Negative Effects of Screens on Children:

    Books emphasising the effects of Screen-time on Kids today:

Outside supplements

Get Active and Exercise to Prevent Obesity, NHLBI, NIH

Islamic Supplements

Online learning is not recommended to replace in-person learning for the children by any research. However, we understand that there are circumstances that call the need for Islamic Screen Time. For those special circumstances we have compiled a list below.