The world has revolutionized in the past few years with the advent of technology; it has brought the world closer and has made everything more accessible, easy and convenient.

However, with the pros comes some cons too – the most prominent of which being screen addiction. The term screen addiction is a relatively new but very valid term, describing the excessive use of digital devices like smartphones, computers, iPads, and gaming consoles causing behavioral changes and impact on physical health.

The scenario has worsened in the past couple of years due to the pandemic, which has resulted in children being in front of their screens for longer durations due to remote learning or being confined at home with nowhere to go.

What is the Six Hour Rule?

Recent researches have suggested that children ages eight to eighteen spend an average of 6 hours and 42 minutes per day on screen time.

With the prevalence of screen addiction increasing rapidly, the American Heart Association (AHA) has presented a new rule of six hours, which will limit the screen time of children, and hence reduce addiction. The Six-hour formula suggests no more than two hours of screen time per day for children aged two to five and no more than one hour for children under two years old.

On the other hand, school-going children should aim for educational screen time less than 2 hours a day, with the remaining time spent in physical activities, socializing with friends, and meaningful hobbies.

Why is Screen Addiction Detrimental for Children?

Screen addiction has numerous adverse effects on children, both in terms of physical and mental health. A few of the detrimental impacts are mentioned below:.

Physical Health Impacts of Screen Addiction

Sleep Deprivation

Children staying up late to spend more time on their devices is one of the leading causes of sleep deprivation in children. Lack of sleep affects the physical and mental health of children, and it hampers their academic and physical performance.

Sleep deprivation in children can also lead to emotional instability and irritability, inflammation, weight gain and a weak immune system.

Obesity Risks

Physical inactivity, along with unhealthy eating habits, is one of the leading causes of obesity in children. Spending time in front of screens reduces the time spent on outdoor activities and other physical games, leading to obesity.

Moreover, fast food advertisements and sedentary lifestyle promotion on screens also serve as catalysts in harming the health of children.

Eye Strain and Damage

Looking at screens for prolonged durations puts children’s eyes under intense strain, leading to eye strain and permanent retina damage.

The blue light emitted by digital screens interrupts the natural sleeping cycle, leading to eye fatigue, dryness and headaches.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Spending long periods glued to screens in the same position can cause severe posture problems, leading to musculoskeletal disorders such as neck pain, shoulder pain, and chronic back pain.

Mental Health Impacts of Screen Addiction

Depression and Anxiety

Screen addiction increases the risk of developing depression and anxiety amongst children. The blue light emitted by the digital screen reduces the production of the hormone melatonin, leading to depression and addictive personalities.

Related Article Screen Time Management: How Six Hours a Day Can Help Your Child

Social Isolation

Children addicted to screen time are likely to become socially isolated, leading to serious mental health problems.

Social interactions stimulate happiness hormone production that is crucial for healthier brain development and overall mental health of children. An excessive amount of screen time reduces the time and opportunities for children to engage socially, leading to social phobia.

Behavioral Issues

Screen addiction can cause behavioral problems, especially in children who are too young or vulnerable to the negative aspects of digital screens.

Aggression, irritability and ADHD are some of the emotional issues suffered by children due to screen addiction.

How to Implement the Six-Hour Rule?

The six-hour rule provides a guideline to parents to follow that will not only limit screen addiction but also ensure their child’s overall growth and development.

Parents need to implement the rule correctly to ensure that their children are not becoming addicted to screens:.

Discussion with Children

Parents need to discuss with their children the six-hour rule and explain them how excessive use can harm their health. Input from children regarding their preferences and how to make arrangements to limit screen time can be useful.

Physical Activities and Hobbies

Since the lockdown and pandemic have limited outdoor activities, parents must encourage children to continue to engage in some productive hobbies.

Going for walks, playing indoor games, physical activities, and other hobbies that do not involve screens can be substituted for screen time.

Scheduling

Scheduling screen time can help children avoid excessive use. Timing can also coincide with a child’s schedule, such as schoolwork or meal times.

Device-Free Nights

Designating device-free nights could be helpful in ensuring children do not slip back into their addiction. They can be spent together by playing games or discussing any developments in their hobbies.

The Bottom Line

The six-hour rule might be new, but it is turning out to be an effective solution for an increasing social problem. By reducing screen addiction, it will lead to an overall healthier and positive environment for children.

Limiting screen time is a joint effort of both parents and children. Parents need to be understanding and patient and need to help children find other outlets for entertainment.

Parents should also lead by example, showing their children how to use technology in moderation and how to keep a healthier and safer lifestyle.