In today’s digital age, children are increasingly exposed to screens from an early age. Parents are busy and screen time seems like an easy option to occupy kids. Screen time can have detrimental effects on children’s physical and mental health. As parents, it’s essential to understand the importance of limiting screen time and promoting healthier alternatives for our children’s development.

1. Impact on Physical Health: Excessive screen time often leads to a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to weight gain and obesity in children. Instead of engaging in physical activities, children spend hours sitting in front of screens, which can lead to poor posture, muscular imbalances, and delayed motor skill development. Encouraging outdoor play and active hobbies can help counteract these negative effects and promote physical fitness.
2. Adverse Effects on Mental Health: Research suggests a link between excessive screen time and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in children. Excessive screen exposure can overstimulate the brain, disrupt sleep patterns, and interfere with the development of healthy coping mechanisms. Limiting screen time and promoting activities that encourage relaxation and social interaction can support children’s mental well-being. Playing outside and being exposed to nature is crucial for kids. Kids should be encouraged to read Sikhi oriented books instead of screen time. Please check out sikhisikhya.com to explore quality Sikhi books for kids.
3. Risk of ADHD: Excessive screen time has been associated with an increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The constant stimulation from screens can impair children’s ability to focus, regulate emotions, and control impulses. By reducing screen time and providing opportunities for structured play and creative activities, parents can support healthy cognitive development and attentional skills in their children. Kids can be put into various classes like Keertan and gatka.
4. Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Unrestricted access to screens exposes children to a myriad of inappropriate content, including violence, explicit language, and adult themes. Exposure to such content can desensitize children, distort their perception of reality, and undermine their moral development. Implementing parental controls and monitoring children’s screen usage can help protect them from harmful content and promote age-appropriate media consumption.
5. Learning Foul Language and Negative Behaviors: Screen time often exposes children to foul language, negative behaviors, and unhealthy social interactions portrayed in movies, video games, and online platforms. Children may mimic these behaviors, leading to the adoption of disrespectful language and aggressive attitudes. By promoting positive role models, fostering open communication, and providing guidance on media consumption, parents can mitigate the influence of inappropriate content on their children’s behaviour

It is our humble request to parents to limit or eliminate screen time to safeguard children’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By prioritizing outdoor play, physical activity, putting them to sport and gatka classes and face-to-face interactions over screen-based entertainment, parents can promote healthier habits and support their children’s holistic development. Let’s empower our children to thrive in the real world by limiting their exposure to screens and fostering a balanced lifestyle that prioritizes their overall health and happiness.