If you're concerned that your children are spending an excessive amount of time staring at screens, you're not the only one.

Parents have long been worried about their kids watching too much television, but the proliferation of mobile digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops has made it even more challenging to ensure your children get adequate physical activity and rest.

Alarming average screen time statistics
Media reported that Malaysians clock in high screen time, ranking second in Asia, behind only the Philippines. According to a recent study by Electronics Hub, the average Malaysian spends nearly half of their waking hours, 48.41% to be precise, looking at screens on digital devices. This places the country the world's number 8 nation for daily screen time consumption.

On average, we spend over 4.5 hours daily on smartphones and nearly 3.75 hours on computers. Social media engagement is high, with over 16% of our awake time to various platforms. In addition, Malaysia ranks 10th globally in TikTok usage, with users watching an average of 123 videos per day.

These statistics reveal the concerning extent to which digital technology and social media have come to dominate the daily lives of Malaysians, raising questions about the impact of excessive screen time on physical health, mental wellbeing, and real-world social interactions, especially for our children. 

Here are some strong reasons to limit the screen time for your children:

1. Excessive screen time can negatively impact brain development in children 
Studies have shown that introducing digital media too early can significantly impact a child's cognitive functioning and critical thinking skills. Delayed language skills, limited attention spans, and hindered impulse control are just a few of the concerning effects. It's essential to strike a balance and prioritize face-to-face interactions, which are the foundation for healthy brain development.

2. Screen time can increase the risk of childhood obesity
The more time our children spend in front of screens, the less time they have for active play, sports, and other physical activities. Such lifestyle can increase the risk of childhood obesity, which has far-reaching consequences for their overall health and well-being.

3. There is a connection between screen time and emotional eating behaviors
Research has uncovered a strong link between screen time and emotional eating behaviors, particularly among adolescent girls. This suggests that excessive screen exposure can disrupt healthy eating habits and contribute to emotional challenges. Empowering our children to find balance and engage in physical activity can help mitigate these concerns.

4. Technology can negatively impact emotional well-being 
Real life interactions are crucial for a child's social and emotional development where they learn the nuances of communication, empathy, and social cues. Excessive screen time, on the other hand, can hinder these essential skills and lead to issues like gaming disorder, anxiety, and depression.

5. Children learn best through face-to-face interactions 
While screens can offer educational opportunities, they cannot replace the rich learning that occurs through play, exploration, and one-on-one engagement. Prioritizing these meaningful interactions will support your child's language development and overall growth.

6. Excessive screen use can lead to behavior problems in children 
When children become accustomed to the fast-paced, instant gratification of digital media, they can struggle with tasks that require prolonged attention or face-to-face interactions. This can manifest in behavioral challenges and mood changes, making it crucial to establish healthy screen time habits.

7. Children may be exposed to harmful content when using screens 
The internet can be a vast and sometimes dangerous playground for our little ones. Unsupervised access can expose them to inappropriate or even harmful content, which can have lasting impacts on their well-being. Proactive measures, such as setting up parental controls and having open conversations about online safety, can help mitigate these risks.

8. Overuse of screens can lead to addiction 
While not officially recognized as a disorder, the concept of "screen addiction" is a growing concern. When screen time becomes excessive and interferes with a child's daily life, it can lead to neglect of responsibilities, mood changes, and an inability to disconnect. Establishing screen-free zones and times can help break this cycle of dependency.

9. Reducing screen time can help lower the risk of developing sleep difficulties
The blue light emitted by digital devices can disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, making it harder for children to fall asleep and stay asleep. Poor sleep habits can then impact their mood, behavior, and ability to focus and learn during the day. Maintaining screen-free bedrooms and limiting screen time before bed can help ensure a good night's rest.

So, What is the “Right” amount of screen time?
Here are the recommendations of sedentary and screen-time activity from Malaysian Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents:

• Children should be discouraged from extended periods of inactivity and should not be sedentary for more than 60 minutes at a time. 
• Limit screen time to not more than two hours a day. 
• If children are into electronic games, encourage them to play active video games (e.g. basketball video exergames) rather than sedentary one

However, it is worth to note that World Health Organization (WHO) recommends no screen time for children below the age of two and no more than 1 hour screen time or children aged two to below five.

What is a parent supposed to do?
As parents, it can be challenging to navigate the digital landscape and ensure our children are using technology in a healthy and balanced way. However, there are practical steps we can take to address this situation:

1. Monitor their online time
Keep a close eye on the amount of time your kids spend online. This will help you understand their digital habits and make informed decisions.

2. Create a tech-free zone
Avoid placing televisions or computers in your children's bedrooms. This can help minimize distractions and encourage more face-to-face interactions.

3. Rethink screen time as a reward or punishment
Using screen time as a reward or punishment can inadvertently reinforce the idea that it's a valuable commodity. Instead, try to find a balanced approach that doesn't overemphasize the importance of digital devices.

By implementing these strategies to manage the screen time for your children, you can help your children develop a healthier relationship with technology and ensure they have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities that support their overall well-being.