Journal of Child Psychology

Journal of Child Psychology is a peer reviewed open access journal that aims to provide the most complete and reliable source of information on the cognitive and behavioural development of the infants at the formative years as they progress to adolescents. The journal thus publishes the cutting edge research outcome on topics including but not limited to Child Psychology, Infant Behaviour, IQ, Cognitive Development, Speech & Language Development, Abnormal Development, Gender & Moral Developments, Social & Emotional Development, Physical Development, Memory Development, and Motor Development.

Journal of Child Psychology is devoted to publish original and unpublished manuscripts focusing on the issues and challenges related to Toddlerhood, Child-hood, Adolescence, Intellectual & Mental Development, Sexual Development, Thinking & Reasoning, Attention & Interest, and Parenting.

With screens virtually everywhere, controlling a child's screen time can be challenging. To complicate matters, some screen time can be educational for children as well as support their social development. So how do you manage your child's screen time? Here's a primer on guiding your child's use of screens and media.

The Negative Effects of Too Much Screen Time

Whether you keep the TV on all the time or the whole family sits around staring at their smartphones, too much screen time could be harmful. Here's what some of the research says:

• Behaviour problems: Elementary school-age children who watch TV or use a computer more than 2 hours per day are more likely to have emotional, social, and attention problems.
• Educational problems: Elementary school-age children who have televisions in their bedrooms do worse on academic testing.
• Obesity: Too much time engaging in sedentary activity, such as watching TV and playing video games, can be a risk factor for becoming overweight.1
• Sleep problems: Although many parents use TV to wind down before bed, screen time before bed can backfire. The light emitted from screens interferes with the sleep cycle in the brain and can lead to insomnia.2
• Violence: Exposure to violent TV shows, movies, music, and video games can cause children to become desensitized to it. Eventually, they may use violence to solve problems and may imitate what they see on TV, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Parents may not always know what their children are viewing, or how much time they are spending with screens. Children may be exposed to:

• Violence and risk-taking behaviours
• Videos of stunts or challenges that may inspire unsafe behaviour
• Sexual content
• Negative stereotypes
• Substance use
• Cyber bullies and predators
• Advertising aimed at your child
• Misleading or inaccurate information

Too much screen time may lead to:

• Sleep problems
• Lower grades in school
• Reading fewer books
• Less time with family and friends
• Not enough outdoor or physical activity
• Weight problems
• Mood problems
• Poor self-image and body image issues
• Fear of missing out
• Less time learning other ways to relax and have fun

Setting limits for older children

Set reasonable limits for your child's screen time, especially if your child's use of screens is hindering involvement in other activities. Consider these tips:

• Prioritize unplugged, unstructured playtime.
• Create tech-free zones or times, such as during mealtime or one night a week.
• Discourage use of media entertainment during homework.
• Set and enforce daily or weekly screen time limits and curfews, such as no exposure to devices or screens one hour before bedtime.
• Consider using apps that control the length of time a child can use a device.
• Require your children to charge their devices outside of their bedrooms at night.
• Keep screens out of your child's bedroom.
• Limit your own screen time.
• Eliminate background TV.

Teaching appropriate behaviour

Online relationships and social media have become a major part of adolescent life. Experts suggest that it's OK for your teen to be a part of these worlds — as long as he or she understands appropriate behaviour. Explain what's allowed and what's not, such as sexting, cyber bullying and sharing personal information online. Teach your child not to send or share anything online that he or she would not want the entire world to see for eternity. No matter how smart or mature you feel your child is, monitor his or her online and social media behaviour. Your child is bound to make mistakes using media. Talk to your child and help him or her learn from them.

Also, set an example. Consider that your child is watching you for cues on when it's OK to use screens and how to use them.

Managing your child's use of screens and media will be an on-going challenge. But by developing household rules — and revisiting them as your child grows — you can help ensure a safe experience.

Thanks and Regards,

Chris Benson
Managing editor
Journal of Child Psychology
Twitter:@jchildpsychol
Whatsapp- +3225889658
Email: childpsychol@scholarlypub.com