Screen time prevents a child from doing the following: 

1. Scanning, sifting and analyzing information and then applying it to everyday situations. 

1. Practising motor skills, be it gross or fine motor skills. 

1. Practising co-ordination of eyes and hands. 

1. Using more than two senses at a time to expand the appreciation of his environment. 

1. Asking questions and receiving helpful educational answers. 

1. Exploring and using his curiosity. 

1. Exercising initiative or motivation. 

1. Being challenged. 

1. Thinking analytically. 

1. Using his imagination. 

1. Practising communication skills. 

1. Improving verbal skills. 

1. Writing and reading. 

1. Being either creative or constructive. 

1. It does not promote the ability to concentrate for long periods because of its flicker. 

1. It does not promote logical, sequential thinking because the action shifts constantly backwards and forwards and laterally in time. 

Most experts recommend not more than one hour of screen time on weekdays and two hours on weekends. 

What can you do to discourage excessive screen time? 

• Do not put a TV in your child's room. 

• Set a maximum screen time that your child can have per day/week. Make agreements with your child on specific, acceptable programmes, and specific times for viewing. 

•  Insist that your children complete their homework before watching TV, and do not keep the TV on while homework is being done. 

• Switch OFF the screens at mealtimes. 

• Set an example: there's no getting away from this! If your child sees you watching TV whenever you are free, you can hardly expect him to be different. 

• Introduce your child to alternate activities. 

Here are Some Activities that Children Usually Enjoy that do NOT Involve Screen Time: 

~Outdoor play. 

~Listening to music and dancing. 

~Reading (see the article 'Encourage your child to read'). 

~Board games. 

~Card games. 

~Building blocks. 

~Hobbies and crafts. 

~Household chores (see article 'Kids and household chores'). 

~Pretend play - dressing up in adults' clothes. 

~Walks. 

~Sports. 

~Playing/talking with friends (see the article 'Help your child make friends'). 

~ Other ideas in the section on Fun Activities on our website. 

.........and do not forget, it's good to occasionally ‘do nothing'! 

Make a list of things that your child enjoys doing and next time you ask them to switch off the TV, suggest one of these activities. It may take a while to wean them off the TV, but once they really begin to enjoy the alternatives, it will be much easier, and MUCH better for them in the long run! 

If you would like to discuss this further or need some help or support in this or any other area, our counsellors would be happy to help. 

Online Counselling 

Place an online request for an Appointment 

Call 1800-258-8999 / 1800-258-8121