in the age of accelerating digital technology, screens have become an integral part of our children's daily lives, which has made determining the appropriate time for watching mobile phones and television a major challenge facing parents around the world. Excessive use of screens can negatively affect children's sleep, their concentration, and their social relationships, while balanced and thoughtful use can contribute to enhancing their learning and developing their necessary digital skills for the future. The problem is that most parents face difficulty in determining appropriate and fair boundaries, especially with the diversity of devices and the constant evolution of available content.
The Importance of Screen Time Limits and Their Impact on Development
Determining screen time has an important impact on children as follows:
- · Balance in screen time is necessary to protect the child's physical and psychological health.
- · Brain development needs real interaction with people and the environment.
- · Excessive screen use delays language and motor development.
- · It reduces the ability to concentrate and pay attention.
- · Free play and reading are essential alternatives for cognitive development.
- · Blue light reduces melatonin and impairs sleep.
- · Sleep disturbance affects immunity and growth.
Global Medical Recommendations for Screen Viewing
Global health organizations have recommended precise time limits according to the child's age:
- · Less than 18 months: Screens are forbidden except for video calls.
- · From 18 months - 2 years: Half an hour daily of educational content with parents.
- · From 3 - 5 years: One hour of age-appropriate programs.
- · From 6 - 12 years: 1.5 - 2 hours on school days, and 3 hours on holidays.
- · Adolescents: More flexible time with the necessity of having balance.
Differences Between Mobile Phones and Television
Each device has a different impact on the child's use and behavior:
- · Mobile phones are more interactive and addictive due to games and notifications.
- · The proximity of the mobile phone to the eye strains eyesight.
- · Television is often a family activity, not an individual one.
- · The distance to the television is greater, so eye problems are reduced.
- · Mobile phones weaken direct communication skills.
- · Television can be an opportunity for family gathering if used wisely.
The Appropriate Time for Mobile Phone Use for Children and Adoescents
Mobile phones need stricter controls than television:
- · Less than 3 years: Better to forbid it except out of necessity.
- · From 3 - 6 years: 15-20 minutes daily under parental supervision.
- · From 6 - 10 years: 30-45 minutes daily of educational content.
- · From 10 - 13 years: One hour with teaching responsible use.
- · From 13 - 18 years: Flexible limits but forbidden right before sleep.
Healthy Television Viewing Guidelines
Television is less interactive than mobile phones but also needs limits:
- · Less than 18 months: Completely forbidden.
- · From 18 months - 3 years: Half an hour of slow educational programs.
- · From 3 - 6 years: Up to one hour daily of content appropriate for values.
- · From 6 - 12 years: 1-1.5 hours on school days, and 2.5 hours on holidays.
- · For adolescents: Greater flexibility but with diversifying other activities.
The Impact of Content and the Importance of Choosing It
The quality of what the child watches is no less important than its duration:
- · Educational content supports early learning.
- · Programs that promote cooperation and respect build a positive character.
- · Violence or frightening scenes should be avoided.
- · Fast-paced content weakens concentration.
- · Interactive programs are better than passive ones.
- · Reviewing content ratings helps parents choose.
The Impact of Screens on Sleep
Use before sleep significantly impairs sleep quality:
- · Blue light reduces melatonin production.
- · Children suffer from difficulty in continuous sleep.
- · Lack of sleep affects immunity and learning ability.
- · Screens should be forbidden at least one hour before sleep for young children.
- · For adolescents, at least two hours before sleep is preferable.
- · A calm routine like reading helps with healthy sleep.
Health Effects of Excessive Use
Excessive screen use affects the child's health physically and psychologically:
- · Eyesight problems like dryness and nearsightedness.
- · Neck and back pain and lack of movement.
- · Increased risks of obesity and heart disease.
- · Anxiety and depression in children and adolescents.
- · Weak concentration and attention.
- · Decline in social communication skills.
- · Sleep disorders affect growth and immunity.
Practical Strategies to Reduce Screen Time
Implementing rules requires the participation of the entire family:
- · Setting a digital family agreement that specifies allowed times.
- · Creating screen-free zones (bedrooms, dining table).
- · Using parental control applications with explanation, not imposition.
- · Establishing a balanced daily routine between study, play, and screens.
- · Offering attractive alternatives like sports and manual games.
- · Encouraging alternative social and family activities.
Healthy Alternatives to Screen Time
There are many activities that enrich and benefit the child instead of screens:
- · Sports and playing outdoors.
- · Reading and interactive storytelling.
- · Drawing, coloring, and handcrafts.
- · Puzzles and educational games.
- · Helping in the kitchen and simple tasks.
- · Music and singing to develop creativity.
- · Playing with friends and family activities.
- · Gardening and caring for plants.
Summary on the Appropriate Time for Watching Mobile Phones and Television
Determining the appropriate time for children to watch mobile phones and television is not just an educational rule, but an investment in our children's healthy, psychological, and social future. Balance is the key, as complete deprivation of technology is impractical in our current age, while excessiveness harms the child's natural development. The ultimate goal is to raise a generation capable of using technology wisely and responsibly, while retaining its ability to enjoy real activities and relationships in the real world