UAE doctors are advocating for a significant reduction in children’s screen time, citing remarkable improvements in mental health and behavior observed in as little as 14 days.
This endorsement follows a recent study from the University of Southern Denmark, which underscores a strong link between reduced screen time and enhanced mental well-being in children.
Study Reveals Significant Benefits of Reduced Screen Time
The study’s findings have been met with enthusiasm by UAE medical professionals, who emphasize that limiting children’s screen time to an average of three hours per week can lead to noticeable behavioral improvements almost immediately.
Currently, children spend an average of seven to eight hours daily engaged in screen-based entertainment, such as video games and movies. The recent research highlights that curbing this screen time can foster better emotional stability and behavior in children.
Dr. Ignatiius Edwin D’souza, a prominent consultant paediatrician and Chair of Paediatrics and Neonatology at Thumbay University Hospital, emphasizes the profound effects of reduced screen time.
“Reducing screen time lowers stress, improves sleep, and enhances mood and behavior. It also increases family interactions,” Dr. D’souza explained.
He recommends a gradual reduction in screen time, cautioning parents to be patient and consistent, as children may initially resist the changes.
The Negative Impact of Excessive Screen Time
The adverse effects of excessive screen time on children have been well-documented. Dr. D’souza and other specialists note that prolonged exposure to screens can lead to behavioral issues such as heightened aggression and difficulties with concentration.
Additionally, physical symptoms like eye strain, headaches, and neck pain are common among children who spend extended periods in front of screens.
“Spending too much time on digital gadgets can lead to increased anxiety and depression in children,” Dr. D’souza added. “The blue light emitted from screens interferes with melatonin production, a hormone crucial for regulating sleep.”
Specialists also warn of the potential for developing an overreliance on digital stimulation for dopamine hits, which can diminish children’s ability to find joy in non-digital activities. This reliance can impact their overall well-being and development.
Broader Implications on Child Development
Psychomotor therapist Liliane Kantar from Aman Lil Afia Clinic Dubai sheds light on the broader developmental implications of excessive screen time. “It reduces time for essential activities such as social interaction, physical play, and exploration,” Kantar explained. “This imbalance can lead to various challenges, including underdeveloped motor skills, poor social skills, reduced cognitive ability, poor emotional control, attention deficit, low self-esteem, and health issues like obesity.”
Kantar’s observations align with a growing body of research highlighting the need for a balanced approach to screen time to promote healthier child development.
Fostering Healthy Screen Habits
Experts advocate for the implementation of clear limits on screen time and the promotion of healthy screen habits among children. Dr. Shaju George, a specialist psychiatrist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, notes the immediate positive impacts of reduced screen time. “When parents decrease their children’s screen time, they will notice improvements in sleep patterns and better relationships with family and friends as kids engage in more quality time with loved ones.”
Dr. George underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to screen time, ensuring it does not replace valuable real-life interactions and activities.
The Role of Parents and Caregivers
Effective management of screen time requires active involvement from parents and caregivers. Girish Hemnani, a Dubai-based energy healer and life coach, advocates for a digital detox to improve children’s sleep patterns, mood, and focus. “A digital detox can boost creativity and social interaction skills, helping children become healthier and happier,” Hemnani said. “These positive changes better equip children to navigate their environment and relationships.”
Expert Recommendations for Reducing Screen Time
Based on the collective insights of medical professionals, several recommendations emerge for parents seeking to manage their children’s screen time:
- Gradual Reduction: Implement a gradual reduction in screen time to allow children to adjust more easily.
- Set Clear Limits: Establish and enforce clear boundaries regarding daily screen time limits.
- Encourage Alternative Activities: Promote engaging in physical activities, hobbies, and family interactions to replace screen time.
- Monitor Screen Use: Keep track of the types of content children are accessing and ensure it is age-appropriate.
- Promote Healthy Sleep Habits: Encourage practices that support healthy sleep patterns, such as reducing screen exposure before bedtime.
By adopting these strategies, parents can help foster a healthier, more balanced lifestyle for their children, leading to better mental health and overall well-being.