Screen abuse is a reality among children and adolescents. Find out how families and schools can apply strategies to mitigate this excess
We live in a world full of screens, be they cell phones, computers, televisions or other electronic devices; at home, at work, on the street or on public transport. The fact is that we are immersed in the digital age, which can be very harmful to people who are still developing: children.
Risks of screen abuse by children
This is because health, both physical and mental, is directly affected by excessive use of screens. The effects can be profound and varied. Among the main ones, according to the pedagogist and master in Education of the Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Simone Santos, the following stand out:
- Visual and postural fatigue: Eyestrain syndrome is a common concern resulting from prolonged time spent in front of screens. Additionally, poor posture while using devices can lead to muscle and bone pain;
- Sleep disorders: exposure to blue light emitted by screens can interfere with sleep, affecting the quality of night’s sleep;
- Technological addiction: The excessive use of devices can lead to technological dependence, i.e. addiction, with negative implications on the physical and psychological well-being of individuals.
According to the educator, it is possible to notice the effects even in the school environment, with the following signs:
- Distraction and concentration: constant access to devices can lead to distractions, hindering students’ ability to stay focused during lessons;
- Challenges in interactivity: virtual interaction, although effective in many respects, does not completely replace the richness of face-to-face interaction, fundamental for people’s social and emotional development;
- Impact on academic performance: Studies suggest that excessive screen use is related to declines in academic performance, indicating the need to balance digital strategies with traditional teaching methods.
Necessary attention from parents
Psychoanalyst Dr. Andrea Ladislau comments that electronic devices, such as cell phones and tablets, have become a tool to calm and distract children so that parents can work, socialize or rest. The strategy is legitimate, but you have to be careful.
“The intensity, frequency and duration of the use of technology by children and young people are factors that identify excesses. Exposure to cell phones to the detriment of recreational games, or even study and dedication to schoolwork , can lead children to feel incapable of controlling or placing a limit on the time in which they carry out the activity”, warns the professional.
Furthermore, Andrea states that it is normal for games or cell phones to become the child’s priority, above vital interests, such as eating, sleeping, resting, cleaning, socializing, among other daily routines.
“Thinking about the causes of this problem, we do not yet have a specific and determined cause, and it could be a sum of factors. The fact that some guardians are too busy with a thousand tasks and do not have time to drive, play and interact with their child , is one of these. As a result, the child or adolescent grows up internalizing an emotional lack”, warns the psychoanalyst.
Other causes of the problem
Andrea does not blame the parents, and remembers that there are other causes of screen abuse among children and adolescents. Young people might, for example, want to escape from reality or test themselves at all times, in the case of games.
Furthermore, causes may include procrastination, low self-esteem, difficulties with self-control, impulsivity, communication disabilities, emotional management deficits, excessive shyness, anxiety, cognitive disorders, among others. “However, it is a gateway to the development of addiction,” she points out.
And, like any type of addiction, there is the brain reward factor. “A biological mechanism that causes the motivation to remain addicted. This happens because the neurotransmitter dopamine is released, which causes immediate pleasure, favoring persistence in the activity”, explains Andrea.
How to keep kids away from screen abuse
According to Dr. Andrea Ladislau, an alternative to address the problem is to replace cell phones and technological devices with attention, hospitality and quality time. Furthermore, create rules and not allow the use of cell phones in schools, even limiting their daily use.
“For children under 5, do not encourage technology under any circumstances. It is essential to provide entertainment and games that encourage interaction with family and other children,” he recommends.
However, if the situation is already out of control, it is best to seek help from a mental health professional. It is worth remembering that both the school and the family can work together to make this process effective.
Thinking about the educational context, Simone reminds us that, in addition to raising awareness among parents and guardians, schools must take action to mitigate the damage caused by excessive use of screens. The master’s degree in pedagogy indicates, for example:
- Set limits: set time limits for screen use, encouraging regular breaks to minimize visual and postural strain;
- Promote diversity of activities: integrate different teaching methods, combining digital resources with practical and interactive activities;
- Digital health education: promote awareness of healthy technology use practices among students, teachers and parents.
The role of the family
Furthermore, Simone highlights that dedicating time to family activities without screens, such as walks outside, family meals without the presence of electronic devices and game evenings, strengthens family bonds and demonstrates, in practice, alternatives for leisure and learning outside the digital environment.
“By adopting these practices, parents not only help reduce the dependency on screens, but also enrich their children’s life experience with more diverse and enriching experiences,” says the professional.
Balance is the key
For Simone, the excessive use of screens is a reality that requires a balanced approach. Therefore, while digital technologies offer invaluable opportunities, it is crucial to recognize and mitigate the challenges that arise when balance is lost.
“By adopting conscious strategies and promoting a culture of healthy screen use, we can ensure that technology continues to be a valuable tool in education, without compromising the health and well-being of children, adolescents and even adults,” concludes the specialist. .
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
