Breaking the Screen Time Stereotype: Why Limiting Exposure is Limiting Growth
I am fine with my child watching television, mobile, or tab. Crazy as it sounds, I am optimistic about the increasing role of technology in our daily lives. Find out why
I have often heard the phrase "my child has zero screen time" from parents in my circle. However, instead of awe, I feel anxious for the kid and the parent. Leave children, I cannot imagine cutting back my screen time. Who wants to stare at the concrete jungle of Bangalore? Sooner or later, I wish I could see the beautiful lanes of Paris through Emily’s eyes.
For children, I prioritize their vision, brain health, and overall well-being. While I value one-on-one time in their early years, I believe a balanced approach to screen time is important, without extremes. I encourage my son to explore both digital and outdoor experiences, as both offer unique opportunities for growth and learning. While there are many ways to connect with the world, I believe certain stories are most effectively told through screens.
"Exposure to new ideas and experiences is the key to personal growth and development." - Oprah Winfrey
In an increasingly global world, exposure to diverse cultures and information shapes a child's worldview. Guardians shape a child's beliefs, but early exposure to diversity can encourage independent thinking. While conformity may be encouraged by parents during childhood, it can limit a child's potential for independent thinking in the future.
Let me recount my own experience with exposure. Growing up in a small city, I was lucky to meet a family that had moved from a distant city. They had lived in various cities in India and, hence, had a very different worldview than us. They inspired my father to move to a better neighborhood and invest in better schools. This gave me exposure to new resources and ideas.
At the same time, the national TV station of 90’s and later cable TV provided valuable exposure to the outside world. It showed me the world of beautiful infrastructure, societies, and work being done around the globe. It fueled my aspirations for a better life.
A good society and school gave me wings. But the exposure to media gave my flight a direction to soar in, and a temperament to accept different cultures when I finally met them.
With the increasing prevalence of media and the internet, it's important to equip children with the skills they need to navigate the digital world and make informed decisions. In the beginning, though, I agree we have to exert some control over children and ourselves to manage these 2 aspects of Screen Exposure -
(1) Time of viewing screens
(2) Content
For children, these can easily be managed with apps like “Family link”, “BYJU’S”, “Youtube Kids” and smart devices like app-controlled power-plug, and app-controlled internet-router availability for each device. For ourselves, we can try website blockers, and website time-counters like “StayFree” on laptop, and “Yourhour” app on Mobile.
Undoubtedly, limiting screen time may be met with some initial resistance. But the content will never disappoint our little ones. I am almost jealous of the screen-time activities that can be explored by today’s kids -
National Geographic and Discovery shows can bring the experience of a challenging terrain like a jungle to our living rooms
Science shows, Dr. Binocs channel for kids on youtube can spark their curiosity
BYJU'S content teaches them curriculum-based concepts through stories and visuals
Certain animation series and movies are entertaining as well as edifying. For example, “Octonauts” teaches them about the world of oceans and sea creatures.
Sports travel shows, and Art shows can teach them about countries around the world and their cultures.
The internet offers limitless opportunities for children to explore their interests and learn. Rather than fearing this information overload, approach it with an open mind. Be with your child on this journey to explore the internet, the way you would be there with them in their offline world of books and playdates.
Diverse experiences and ideas are vital for a child's development. Balance screen time for its benefits. Limit it, but don't eliminate screens completely.
Image Credits
From a scene from Emily in Paris, a Netflix series. Image borrowed from https://www.vox.com/21502498/netflix-emily-in-paris-review-millennials
Happy and balanced children: https://www.winmoreacademy.com/effective-tips-for-parents-to-raise-happy-kids/
Love this piece and such an important topic as more mental health reports highlight the direct connection to negative screen time. The balance of consumption and creation is more important than saying no to screen time. Thank you for sharing this!
I feel the same way about Netflix as well. Especially with the new wave of sentiment against streaming content. I learned so much about self awareness from a trashy tv show like Love is Blind, I learned so much about the autism spectrum and South Korean culture from Extraordinary Attorney Woo and I do agree with you that when international travel is not particularly easy or accessible for a people, regulated TV and screen time is the next best way to get exposure.
Great piece!!