Screen Time

Screen Time

Technology has revolutionized the world we live in many ways. We now have the ability to communicate from across the world through computers. In addition, we can see one another live through the use of communication technology. Over time, the addition of screens and monitors to peoples' lives has been immense. The average person uses two to three types of monitors on a daily basis. This can include computer screens, television screens, tablet PCs, and even smartphones. Monitors are used not just in work and school, but also for entertainment by people of all ages. While people think that monitors are relatively harmless, this may not exactly be the case. Children are even more susceptible because they have more spare time to spend in front of a computer. Children spent a majority of their day in front of their screen, which has negative impacts on their lives.

First, screens and monitors have negative effects on kids of all ages because they waste an enormous amount of time. When a child is in front of the TV, on the computer, or using a tablet, they drift away from reality for a certain period of time. Children become really involved in what they are doing. Certain times, it's hard if not impossible to get their attention when they are watching television or playing a game. In fact, the Los Angeles Times reported in 2009 that "The amount of television usage by children reached an eight-year high, with kids ages 2 to 5 watching the screen for more than 32 hours a week on average and those ages 6 to 11 watching more than 28 hours" (Gold 1). This is only the beginning. Since this report was made, kids have gotten more accessibility to different kinds of screens. Now, it is not unusual for a teenager to have a smart phone or tablet. In fact, it may be unusual to see one without these devices. In addition, the New York Times reported a story on a two year old girl who only wanted to play with her parents' iPhone. The parents state "If they know they have the option of the phone or toys, it will be the phone, "(Stout 1). No matter what toys or activities kids of all ages may have, nothing really compares to the enjoyment they get out of "screen time." As a result, the average child spends at least one day in a week in front of the television, and that does not include the time they spend on their phones or on the computer. All of these hours, when added together, add up to at least half of the week spent on a screen. This time can instead be used reading books, doing homework, or playing outside. These activities enrich children's lives. However, instead, they waste this valuable time in front of a screen, which may result in problems with comprehension due to lack of reading and falling behind in school. As a result, screens have a negative impact on children's' lives due to the amount of wasted time they cause.

Furthermore, constantly screen time can have negative impacts on children's lives due to lack of physical activity. Screens offer kids everything they may need to do throughout the day to keep them entertained. For example, they can do their homework with the computer, read news or books on the computer, play games, and watch their favorite shows. They do not even need to move away in order to be entertained for the entire day. As a result of this, children have a major lack of physical activity. For instance, many kids do not even play outside or get any exercise, other than the mandatory exercise they have to do at school. When they have all of the entertainment they may need in front of them on a screen, then it's hard to imagine that they may enjoy actually playing outside. Fifty years ago, before all of these screens were available with various activities to essentially keep children brain washed; they enjoyed playing with each other outside. As a result of this, they not only got the physical activity necessary to remain healthy, but they also interacted with one another and worked on their social skills. As a result of screen time, children have been experiencing growing rates of obesity. For instance, according to the Center for Disease Control, childhood obesity has doubled in the last thirty years and adolescent obesity has tripled. In addition to that, more than one third of children are currently obese (Lanningham-Foster 54). These numbers are outrageously high. When compared to the past, one thing that has changed is technology. Technology gives children the opportunity to have the time of their lives while sitting down and not having to get up except to eat or go to the restroom. As a result, they do not have the need to get up or move around. Cutting screen time in children will make them look for other forms of entertainment, which can include sports or outdoor play. This way, they will get the exercise they need in order to remain physically healthy.

Finally, screen time is bad for children of all ages because it strains their eyes and can also negatively impact the brain. Always looking at the screen,