If your child is below six years of age, keep him away from mobile and TV screens. If you do not do this, you may have to regret it. The ill effects of screen time and screen exposure can be very serious for children. These results have come out in a survey conducted by the Divisional Psychology Center.

Dr. Manisha Tewatia, spokesperson of the Divisional Psychology Center, conducted this survey with her team. About four hundred parents and their children were taken in the online and offline survey. The survey revealed that being on the screen for too long has a direct impact on the mental development of children below the age of six. The survey revealed that the side effects of screen time and screen exposure can be very serious for children below the age of six, as it can affect their physical, mental and social development. According to experts (American Academy of Pediatrics), children below the age of six should be kept away from the screen, except in special circumstances like video calling.

Impeded brain development

Dr. Manisha Tewatia says that the brain of children develops rapidly in this age group, but excessive use of screens can impede their cognitive and linguistic development. Not only this, children need personal interaction to teach language and social skills, which can be affected by screen time. Children who spend more time in front of the screen may also lag behind in conversation and building social relationships with others.

There is also a decrease in sleep

Screen exposure can also affect sleep , which directly affects children's sleep routine and their mental health. Not only this, due to screen time, children remain less physically active, which can also have a negative impact on their physical ability and muscle development.

Limit screen use

According to Dr. Manisha, try to keep children below the age of six completely away from the screen. Even if the screen is used, it should be limited to socially important activities like video calling. Instead, keep children busy with toys, books and physical games, so that their mental and physical development can take place properly. Parents should spend more time with children, talk, sing songs, tell stories. Encourage their reactions. This will help in the development of their language and social skills.

Maintain a sleep routine

Fix a sleep schedule for children and ensure they stay away from screens before bedtime. Provide them a calm and relaxing environment before bedtime. All family members should be aware of how important it is to keep children away from screens. Ensure that they too minimise screen use in front of children.