WABASH, INDIANA – Feb. 2, 2021 – More than ever, electronic devices have become part of children’s lives
during the pandemic. Between e-learning, homework and entertainment, most parents may not realize how
much time their youngsters spend looking at screens, from smartphones and tablets to laptops and TVs. All
that screen time can really add up in terms of effects on the body and brain.
Evaluating the way children use electronic devices and setting limits is important, according to Parkview
Health pediatrician Jose Nunez Alvarado, MD. Dr. Nunez, who is also a father of two young children, gets
questions from parents of the young patients he sees at Parkview Wabash Hospital.
“It is our duty as parents to ensure that electronics are used responsibly and to understand that excessive
use can have undesirable effects on our children’s health, behavior, development and even their safety,” he
said. “A lot of research is being conducted on screen time and child development, particularly in the areas of
obesity, sleep and overall development.”
Nunez recently looked into studies on those effects. One area of study is physical activity and obesity.
“Excessive electronics use translates to less time being involved in physical activity,” said Nunez. “Children
who watch a lot of television are also more likely to have unhealthy snacks and to overeat while watching TV.
Heavy use during the early years is associated with weight gain and an increase in body mass index (BMI,
which measures body fat based on height and weight) that puts the child at risk of developing obesity in
later years.”
Sleep deprivation is a very real effect of too much screen time.
“Constant exposure to electronics influences the sleep cycle,” he said. “Heavier exposure to electronics
during the day and evening hours leads to less nighttime sleep and poorer quality sleep. When a television,
computer, or other electronics are present in a child’s bedroom, this effect is increased.”
Screen time can also have extensive influence on development, affecting a child in profound ways.
“Studies show that the excessive use of television has a direct impact on our children’s development,
potentially causing delay in areas such as motor skills, language, and cognitive and emotional skills,” said
Nunez. Some children also show problems with attention and social skills. This is because children who
watch more television or use electronic devices more frequently have less direct contact with their parents,
members of the household and other children. That interaction is so important because children learn about
behavior by interacting with their peers and adults.”
In addition to excessive screen time, Nunez cautions that school-age children and adolescents can face
other potentially serious consequences related to inappropriate use of electronics and social media. Kids
may struggle with their school performance or become victims of cyberbullying. They can develop risk-taking
behaviors that expose them to alcohol, drugs and sexual content. Through their activity online, teens may
unwittingly lose their privacy, get caught up in sexting or become exposed to predators.
In other words, it’s wise to supervise your child’s online activity and screen time. Nunez offers these
recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics for the correct use of electronics:
Children under 18 months: No electronics for children under 18 months, except for video calls.
Children 18 months to 2 years: Limited use of electronics. Children should be exposed to high-quality
content. It is strongly recommended that an adult co-watch to educate about what the child is watching.
Children 2 years and older: Limit media use to no more than one hour per day of high-quality content.
Parents should co-watch as well as find other educational activities, like reading, to promote their children’s
learning and development. Always select educational, interactive, non-violent media.
Nunez also provides these dos and don’ts:
Create a plan and strict rules for the use of electronics at home.
Always turn off electronics when they are not in use.
Monitor the media that your young children and adolescents are using.
Avoid using electronics as the only way to calm or distract your children.
Do not allow electronics in a child’s room.
Any screen time should end at least one hour before bedtime.
Keep playtime, reading time, meals and family time free of media and electronics.
When watching TV together, provide healthy snacks and control portions to prevent overeating.
Encourage activities that require children to move and be active when not using media.
Keep in mind that when parents spend a lot of time using electronics or social media themselves, they’re
missing invaluable opportunities to spend time with their children during a crucial time in their development.
“Creating meaningful connections takes time and patience,” said Nunez. “Parents and children who spend
more time experiencing the world together – and not just passively consuming electronic media – develop
better physical and emotional health, good lifelong habits and stronger relationships.”
Parkview Wabash Hospital: A state-of-the-art facility combined with world-class teamwork for a
great patient experience