Screen Time Gadget Usage – The children of today are digital native generations, meaning they have grown up with electronic and digital media. At home, a 4-month-old baby has begun to be exposed to television. The same is true for the use of gadgets, including mobile phones.
Gadgets have both advantages and disadvantages for their users as a medium of information. The benefits of using gadgets include the emergence of new ideas, an increased flow of information, and awareness of current events. However, the media has a negative impact on smartphone users, particularly children.
Living in the digital era, with its lightning-fast technological advancements, makes it easier for us to use. It should be noted, however, that the intensity of time spent using gadgets varies with age. Wikipedia says, according to age, the following is the amount of screen times spent on gadgets.
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Screen Time Gadgets for Baby and Toddler (1-2 Years)
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under the age of two avoid using electronic devices (although it is very difficult to do so). Because toddlers need to practice their social skills and interactions. Another reason is that children’s fine motor skills have not developed well at this age.
A sign that the child’s fine motor skills are strong, as evidenced by the child’s ability to hold the gadget without falling. Two-year-old children cannot be given gadgets for emotional development because they cannot accept defeat. Children who are given gadgets because they are unable to accept the feeling of being disappointed because they have lost will become easily irritated and may vent their frustration by throwing the gadget they are holding.
If you still want to give children gadgets at a young age, choose toys that can be used interactively rather than passive games like computers. Children are very interested in sound and light at a young age, so choose a toy with a large button that lights up or makes a sound when pressed. This will help them with their fine motor skills as well as teach them about cause and effect.
However, keep in mind that prolonged exposure to light will have a negative impact on the child’s sense of sight. As a result, you should limit your use of gadgets to no more than one hour per day, or 30 minutes per day.
Kindergarten or Pre-Kindergarten (3-5 Years)
Children of this age have begun to master finger gestures. Touch screen responses are generally enjoyable for them. At this point, children can be prepared to recognize computer and school-related devices. To avoid frustration with the child, remain realistic and stick to the age stages. Time spent in front of the computer should be balanced with free and creative play.
You can choose educational devices for children at this age that encourage them to do simple counting, recognize colors, follow certain patterns, or increase their vocabulary. Keep an eye on the applications or websites that your child visits. For children of this age, the maximum time limit for using gadgets is less than one hour per day, or 40 minutes.
Screen Time of Primary School Level (6-12 Years)
Children as young as six years old are already adept at using technology. Make an agreement about what you can and cannot do with your computer or tablet before handing it over. Before downloading an application, take the time to read the review and check the rating. Investigate various applications that are appropriate for use based on age and content. Place the device in the living room to make it easier for adults to monitor their children’s computer activities.
The use of the internet in this day and age must also be restricted. The goal is to not interfere with their real-world learning and playing time. At this age, the ideal time limit for using gadgets is one hour per day. It is critical to begin educating children about the importance of internet privacy, security, and ethics.
Screen Time of Middle School Level (13-15 Years)
It is not surprising to learn that today’s teenagers have their own social media accounts and cellphones. What parents can do is download internet filters to block inappropriate content so that their children do not see it. Another important thing to teach children is how to close pop-up ads or promotions that appear unexpectedly.
Even if you’ve given them permission to play games, surf the internet, and have privacy, try to limit their time to no more than 2 hours per day.
Age Group: Senior High School (16-18 Years)
Parents can trust their children to have some personal gadgets at this age. Nonetheless, gadgets must be used more responsibly. The density of teaching and learning activities, both inside and outside of the classroom, should not be hampered by excessive use of technology. For high school students, the daily time limit for using gadgets is three hours.
After determining the age-appropriate time limit for using gadgets, the next challenge is to communicate effectively with children. Giving children understanding is preferable to forcing them to give up their gadgets. Happy teaching!
Reminder app will be very helpful to schedule and allocate time duration, See also Reminder Apps to Schedule Life
