The Dangers of Too Much Screen Time

Video gaming can be fun and engaging however spending too much time in front of a screen has been linked to a lack of sleep, speech delays and poor social skills. Research has found that the bigger issue "is whether screen use causes problems in other areas of life or has become an all-consuming activity," When this happens, it's considered screen addiction in kids.

Here are some red flags to watch for that suggest your child might be spending too much time in front of the screen.

•        Behaviour change when asked to stop
•        It preoccupies their thoughts
•        Withdrawal from regular activities to access online platforms rather than social interactions
•        Increased irritability when asked to pause or stop gaming or screen time
•        Sleep difficulties or even neglecting regular sleep or eating patterns to stay online
•        Frequent family fights about internet use

For more information, please refer to:

What Does Too Much Screen Time Do to Children’s Brains?

https://healthmatters.nyp.org/what-does-too-much-screen-time-do-to-childrens-brains/

Let's Talk About Gaming with Dr. Kim Le

https://lifeed.org.au/resources/parents/lets-talk-about-gaming-with-dr-kim-le/

9 signs of screen addiction in kids

https://www.todaysparent.com/family/family-health/screen-addiction-in-kids/

Gaming Tip Sheet for Parents

https://lifeed.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Gaming-podcast-tip-sheets-for-parents.pdf