How much screen time is too much screen time?

Posted January 2021

By Benjamin Dang

Cub Reporter

Ever since computers and smartphones have been created, the general public has been using them a lot over the past years. It has gotten to a point where you could do mostly efficient work. This makes using these devices more convenient, but there is also the added risk of too much screen time.

Too much screen time can bring a plethora of side effects. Sitting on a computer screen means not being physically active. That can lead to obesity, irregular sleeping patterns, behavioral problems, and impaired social skills. These effects are especially harmful to children, as it could make them even more unwilling to get any work done.

These effects may sound horrible, but to some extent it is unavoidable. Most white-collar jobs require workers to be at a desk or at a computer. Even then, workers outside white-collar work may still find themselves looking at their smartphones or a computer at home. Trying to limit screen time may be difficult to some members of society.

There are measures to limit screen time, though. Setting schedules, coming up with plans, and not looking at screens when you go to sleep are examples of limiting screen time. These are beneficial, especially for children. Some of the benefits include having a normal sleeping pattern, feeling more energetic, and being emotionally healthier.

Children shouldn’t be spending an unreasonable amount of time on screens, especially toddlers and babies. Their brains are not yet fully developed, and that leads them to keep on doing these bad habits. If children are watching TV, they could see ads that promote all sorts of unhealthy choices, like junk food. If children are spending too much time on a screen, it could also affect their creativity. The best way to limit screen time for children is to moderate and watch over the amount of screen time they spend.