In today’s tech-driven world, the way children interact with their surroundings has undergone significant changes. Electronic devices like smartphones and tablets are becoming integral parts of their daily lives from a young age. While technology offers numerous benefits, it also raises concerns about how screen addiction can impact children’s development. Parents now face the challenge of balancing the advantages of digital tools with ensuring children participate in activities that foster healthy growth.
In Brazil, children’s use of smartphones has surged in recent years. Studies show that many children are exposed to mobile devices from an early age, a trend fueled by the availability of educational apps and digital games. While these tools are seen as beneficial for cognitive development and early tech exposure, they also contribute to rising screen time.
A recent study reveals that 70% of Brazilian children between the ages of 3 and 6 use mobile devices daily. Although these tools have some educational value, prolonged screen exposure can lead to emotional, physical, and social challenges. Children who spend too much time on screens may struggle to manage their emotions and become overly reliant on digital entertainment, which can interfere with social interactions and reduce their ability to communicate effectively face-to-face.
In light of increasing concerns, health and education experts have developed screen time guidelines to help parents regulate children’s use of electronic devices. These recommendations vary by age group to ensure a healthy balance of screen exposure and developmental activities.
According to the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, as cited on the government portal gov.br, children under 2 should have no screen time at all. The focus should be on real-world interactions and physical play, which are vital for brain development and social skills. Introducing screens at an early age can disrupt engagement with the environment and delay language development.
For this age group, screen time should be limited to no more than two hours per day. It is important to balance screen use with physical activity, which promotes motor skills and social development. Excessive screen time can reduce opportunities for creative play, physical exercise, and interpersonal learning, all of which are crucial for early development.
As children enter this age bracket, they are often more exposed to technology, including video games. However, screen time should not exceed three hours per day. Beyond this limit, screen exposure can affect school performance, social relationships, and physical health. Encouraging a variety of non-digital activities is essential for fostering a well-rounded lifestyle.
For teenagers, screen time should be customized based on individual needs but should generally not surpass three hours per day. It is crucial to monitor the content they consume, ensuring it is age-appropriate and balanced with offline activities such as hobbies, exercise, and social interactions. Overuse of screens during adolescence can lead to concentration issues, sleep disturbances, and contribute to a sedentary lifestyle with long-term health consequences.
Despite these recommendations, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that only 25% of children under 2 and 33% of children aged 2 to 5 follow the suggested screen time guidelines. This discrepancy highlights the importance of establishing healthy screen habits early on.
Prolonged use of digital devices poses significant risks to eye health. One common issue is digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, which arises from extended screen exposure. Symptoms include dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and general discomfort.
Children are particularly susceptible to these effects as their eyes are still developing. Continuous screen use can reduce blinking, leading to dryness and irritation. Additionally, blue light from screens can disrupt sleep patterns, particularly when devices are used before bedtime. This disruption can negatively affect sleep quality, which in turn impacts overall health and development.
Furthermore, excessive screen time is linked to a growing incidence of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. Studies have found that increased indoor time spent on screens is associated with higher rates of myopia. Encouraging outdoor play and minimizing screen exposure, particularly during crucial developmental periods, can help lower the risk of eye-related issues.
