Is screen time affecting more than kids minds?

Is screen time affecting more than kids minds?

    The increased use of screens is probably the biggest change in childhood activity patterns since the introduction of the television 50 years ago. It is likely to have a big impact on children’s health and habits now and throughout their life. The high use of devices in childhood is likely to have a knock on effect later in life with increased risk of; • Obesity • Cardio and metabolic problems • Social and psychological issues • Musculoskeletal problems especially in the neck. Spending numerous hours in a poor neck posture with very little neck movement will make children more vulnerable to neck pain later in life.   There is a lot of research emerging that neck and back problems begin in adolescence – hence the importance of exploring prevention in childhood. The strongest predictor of whether you are going to suffer from neck or back pain in the future is if you have already had it, so stopping that first occasion of pain will have a significant impact! The research also suggests: • that children will also grow up with poor gross motor skills • Children who watch more TV or devices then their peers will have weaker bones by aged 20

Surveys suggest 2/3 of children aged 0-5 are spending at least 30 min per day on devices.

Australian Department of Health guidelines for screen time suggest that children under 2 have NO screen time.

Please click on the below links for guidelines for Physical activity for 0-5 year olds and 5 - 12 year olds.

Link for guidelines for physical activity for 0- 5 5-12 year olds