How Many Hours of Ideal Time Children Use Gadgets Every Day

Maybe Mother and Father used to experience scrambling to watch television shows (TV), while parents are looking for ways to limit watch time. Along with changes and technological developments, TV shows are no longer a major threat, but rather various types of gadgets or devices equipped with internet access. Access to gadgets should still be restricted, especially for children. But, actually how long is the ideal time children can access the gadget every day? Then if it is excessive, what is the impact that might arise? Come on, find out.

Suggested Duration

Mother, experts recommend that the maximum time a child accesses the gadget is 1-2 hours per day. However, these restrictions must also be adjusted for the age of the child:

• Children under the age of 2 years are advised not to be given access to the gadget at all. If needed, children aged over 1.5 years can access the gadget for no more than one hour per day accompanied by parents.
• Children aged 2-5 years are advised to access the gadget for only 1 hour per day, and even then a quality program.
• For children aged 6 years and over, it is better to set a specific duration agreed upon together. For example, children can only access gadgets on weekends or a maximum of 2 hours per day.

Mother and Father need to emphasize, the time to access this gadget is not only to access the phone or tablet, but also includes time to watch TV and use a computer.

Why should it be limited?

Mother, according to studies, it turns out that gadget addiction can cause permanent disruption in the brains of children who are still developing. This possibility will affect the child's ability to concentrate, focus, build vocabulary, and even to understand behavior and the ability to communicate with others. The following results from gadget addiction that can occur in children:

• Impaired cognitive development

The study found that the possibility of a child's cognitive development becomes delayed when the child is too long accessing electronic media. Especially at the age of 1-3 years, the child's brain is very sensitive to the surrounding environment and develops very rapidly. All changes that occur in this critical period will become a permanent foundation for the further development of brain function.

• Excessive stimulation

The speed at which images or content changes on the gadget's screen and the stimulus that makes them tap their fingers repeatedly to the screen is actually a type of stimulus that is not needed by their brains that are still in their early stages of development.

• Lazy to think

Unlike opening a page when Mother reads a fairy tale from a book that makes children imagine, the video display in the gadget will only make the child just follow the audiovisual movement. This can make them more lazy to think because of weak cognitive muscles.

• Being overweight due to lack of movement

Too much sitting and rarely moving because of using too many gadgets, the possibility can make a child fat or lack of rest. Children may sit playing gadgets inside the house, while other children play and interact outside the home.

• Certain limbs hurt

Playing games too often can make a child's hand hurt. This is because when playing games, children repeatedly press the same button so that it can make the wrist and finger hurt in the long run. In addition they can also experience neck pain, headaches, and dry eyes.

• Possible change in behavior

In addition to children being difficult to focus for a long time, research found that using gadgets also had the risk of making children more aggressive, thus possibly aggravating ADHD.

For older children, there is a possibility that the child is stressed out and feels inferior, or even deep-seated, when looking at social media and comparing himself with other people's lives that seem more pleasant. Seeing a variety of possible disturbances or adverse effects, it is better to access the gadget is limited to children.

Tips on Limiting the Use of Gadgets in Children

In addition to the possible negative effects that may arise, various gadget applications and TV shows actually have educational benefits. Some children even learn certain abilities, such as English from TV, or mathematics from mobile applications. The key is to regulate how children can access their gadgets with limited time for maximum benefits. The following ways can Mother and Father try on children at home:

• Carefully selecting

Mother can select several games and applications that make children can learn to read, count, or other useful things. In addition to trying it first, Mother can also read reviews from other users before downloading. Although not always, paid applications are usually of higher quality than free ones. Mothers also need to remember, applications are often not made according to curriculum or education experts.

• Placing electronic goods in a shared room

Placing computers and TVs in the room is more likely to interfere with rest. Instead of placing a TV and computer or laptop in a child's room, it is better to place it in a shared room that allows you to monitor what is being seen or played by the child.

• Take a break

When using a gadget, encourage children to take a short break at least once every 20 minutes.

• Make a schedule

Create rules and schedules that require Mother and family to be separated from the gadget. For example when having dinner together, or an hour before bedtime. Even Mother can also arrange a gadget free day, for example Sunday, by traveling with family.

• Application to monitor

Mothers can use applications that can monitor children's activities on mobile.

It's best to avoid giving special gadgets that belong to your own children. In addition, spend time Mother and Father to do other activities instead of playing gadgets. Help your child find fun activities, like swimming, drawing or playing a bicycle. It is no less important to note, many parents also often access their gadgets when with family. This can make children demand the same thing. Now, if you want your child to limit the time to access the gadget, Mother and Father also need to discipline themselves to put a cell phone and turn off the TV at certain times that have been agreed upon. Come on, make sure all family members don't over-access gadgets and televisions.