Screen Time for Our Children: How Much Time Is Too Much?

'The time children 8 and younger spend on mobile devices has tripled in four years.'

'42% of children were reported to have their own tablet devices.'

'Experts believe their ubiquity is changing childhood.'

The above statistics were taken from the cnn.com website, recorded October 2017.

Do you believe the internet and electronics are changing childhood?

I personally believe we would be fools to disagree with the facts.

I have an 8-year-old daughter, who although kind hearted, often helpful and selfless, can be the biggest brat you could imagine when she gets told no to certain things.

No you can't have the tablet, no you can't go on the PS4, no you can't have my phone, no you can't watch YouTube, no you can't watch a film this late on a school night.

Hang on, a pattern persists.

9/10 times, the arguments are always involving some form of screen. Now am I a guilty parent who gives into her child sometimes? A parent who throws a packet of crisps into her hands (corn not potato, so at least a little healthier) and gives her the tablet to get an hour of peace? Absolutely. Do I moan about how children these days have no respect because of technology changing and how parents shouldn't give in? Of course I do.

But we as parents at some point are selfish and we can be hypocrites. We don't mind the possibility of wrecking our children's state of mind, or brain development, to get an hour's peace, whilst they watch some kid on YouTube talk about 'McDonald's at 3 AM.' But, I like to think of it a little bit different.

I believe that the evolution of technology has helped us shape our children's minds, in quite a positive way, if used in moderation.

Yes I give into my daughter sometimes, but I always make sure she is aware of the consequences of her actions, if she is to push too far.

Do I tell her off for moaning about not being allowed her tablet at times? Yes, but I also simply explain to her that play comes after work, and once she has worked her mind, then she can rest it with play.

This has worked for her father and I a lot over the years, but I still can't shake the feeling of agreeing with one of my original statements.

Yes technology changes children, but for the worst? I still don't fully know. Let's question it.

What about the children who play games all day and go on to make them? Or the children who watch films 'too much' and go on to become directors? Or become actors? Producers? Screen writers? Or the children who watch animations online, and then go on to publish comic books or short stories on internet platforms, such as many have on YouTube?

Technology has opened up a new world, a partial unexplored free open space, for new ideas, ways of thinking, and career opportunities for children, teenagers and adults alike.

I believe the brain development for a child is only affected in a negative way, with the overuse of technology. With a good level of balance, children can learn things they want, not just what the teachers want them to. This can help with creativity and maybe help a child understand sooner In life, the sort of career they want for themselves, not just what society says.

My daughter learns facts on the internet daily. It is one of our deals if she is to have the tablet. She enjoys this often, and although she thinks she is 'winning' by having the tablet, so am I as I watch her eager to learn new facts on her chosen subjects (She loves to learn about Egypt and cats).

So let your children thrive with technology, but in moderation. Keep an eye on what they watch, always take precautions, and steer them in the right direction online. (More quizzes and facts and less 'look at this slime in 100 different colours.')

Of course you don't need to take my advice. Your child's personality will steer you towards the right decision for them.