HOW TO USE ALL FORMS OF SCREENS WISELY …

Children are spending more and more time on screens at home and at school.

The recommended amount of time a child should spend on a screen:

• ·  0-18 months, no screen time other than video-chatting
• ·  18 months 2 years – high quality apps or programs but only with an adult
• ·  2- 5 years – one hour a day with an adult supervising them or playing with them
• ·  6 years plus – set consistent limitsToddlers who watch 2-3 hours of television are 2.7 times more likely to have a speech and language delay.Toddlers who watch a high level of screens are more likely to have difficulties at school, reduced vocabulary, lower levels of numeracy and decreased classroom engagement.

  Excessive screen use in toddlers has been shown to increase emotional reactivity, aggression and externalising behaviours, higher levels of anxiety and depression in teenagers.

  The mere presence of a screen in a bedroom can decrease the amount your child sleeps by an average of 20 minutes, even if it is not turned on!

  Excessive screen use is shown to increase the risk of :

• ·  reduced physical activity
• ·  reduced muscle strength
• ·  high calorie food consumption
• ·  obesity
• ·  sleep problems and deprivation
• ·  posture issues
• ·  dry /sore eyes