Nowadays, many children tend to spend a significant amount of time on electronic devices like smartphones. This is mainly due to the lack of parental control and the increasing use of technology in school.
One major reason why children use screen time excessively is easy access to technology. Many parents are often busy working and allow their children to use phones to keep them busy. As a result, children often have unlimited access to digital devices without any time limits. For example, in many families, children are allowed to watch cartoons or play games on electronic devices, while their parents finish work or do chores. Another significant factor is regular use of technology in education. In many modern classrooms, technology is widely used for learning, and students are frequently required to complete assignments online. Unfortunately, schools rarely teach children how to use digital devices correctly, that leads to excessive screen time even outside of school. For instance, some students are asked to do presentations on their laptops, that results in long periods of screen time.
To reduce children’s screen time, parents play a key role. They should set clear rules on how long their children can use electronic devices each day. For instance, some parents create a weekly schedule that includes specific times for screen use and other times for activities like sports or chores. Schools can also contribute to solving this issue. One effective solution is to include lessons about digital balance in the technology. Moreover, schools should promote more offline activities such as sports sections, art classes to attract students in real world. For example, instead of assigning online tasks, teachers can ask students to complete homework using books available in the school library.
In conclusion, the overuse of smartphones among children is mainly caused by weak control at home and the growing role of technology in education.