Love Affair with Technology: Navigating Screen Addiction in Families

2.     Module 2: Deep dive into TCM aspect of the issues – Available now!

3.     Module 3: Issues of addiction and posture – Available now!

5.     Module 5: Language and literacy – Thursday 21st March 2024,  9.00am GMT

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Why this course is important:

Excessive screen time and kids being addicted to screens can have negative consequences on various aspects of their well-being. Here are several reasons why this behaviour is considered detrimental:

1. Impact on Physical Health:

   • Sedentary Lifestyle: Excessive screen time often leads to a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to health issues such as obesity and related problems.
   • Sleep Disruption: Extended screen time, especially before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns and quality.

2. Impact on Mental Health:

   • Risk of Anxiety and Depression: Excessive screen time, particularly on social media, is linked to increased risks of anxiety and depression in children.
   • Reduced Outdoor Activities: Excessive screen use may replace outdoor play and physical activities, which are crucial for mental and emotional well-being.

3. Impaired Academic Performance:

   • Decreased Focus: Prolonged screen time may contribute to decreased attention spans and difficulty concentrating on academic tasks.
   • Negative Impact on Learning: Excessive use of screens can interfere with traditional learning methods and hinder cognitive development.

4. Social Implications:

   • Limited Face-to-Face Interaction: Excessive screen time can lead to a reduction in face-to-face social interactions, hindering the development of crucial social skills.
   • Social Isolation: Spending too much time on screens may contribute to feelings of isolation, especially if it replaces real-world social activities.

5. Risk of Behavioural Issues:

   • Aggression and Impulsivity: Some studies suggest a correlation between excessive screen time and increased aggression and impulsive behaviour in children.
   • Difficulty in Self-Regulation: Constant exposure to screens may contribute to challenges in self-regulation and managing emotions.

6. Negative Impact on Family Dynamics:

   • Reduced Family Time: Excessive screen time may lead to less quality time spent with family, impacting communication and bonding.
   • Conflict over Screen Use: Disputes about screen time can create tension within families.

7. Exposure to Inappropriate Content:

   • Unsupervised Access: Kids addicted to screens may have unsupervised access to inappropriate content, potentially impacting their values and perceptions.

8. Impact on Vision:

   • Digital Eye Strain: Prolonged use of screens can contribute to digital eye strain, including symptoms like headaches, dry eyes, and blurred vision.

9. Developmental Concerns:

   • Delayed Development: Excessive screen time, especially in younger children, may interfere with the development of essential motor and cognitive skills.

It's important for parents and caregivers to be mindful of the amount of screen time children are exposed to and to encourage a balanced and healthy lifestyle that includes a variety of activities both on and off screens. Learn useful strategies and advice for parents.