As the world is imagining a future where each country is free of the effects of the Coronavirus, it is also necessary to reimagine how children will adapt to the changes. Today, we delve deeper into a topic concerning parents all around the world, namely managing screen time in the COVID-19 pandemic.
The outbreak has shifted many of the schooling systems to online, increasing screen exposure among children. With devices and screen-time being a doubled-edged sword, online learning is successful in varying degrees.
Certain measures can be implemented into their lifestyle to ensure a healthier approach while also establishing a newfound balance in their digitally exposed lives.
1. More Extracurriculars
Even after the world has returned back to its usual cycle of activities, it can be expected that a lot of caution has to be maintained. The education system in particular, might take a little longer to revert back to its original setting which could increase the time period for using the online teaching system. On such an occasion, it is better suited for children to also exercise their eyes and body beyond the confines of the digital screens.
Integrating more extracurricular activities into a child’s daily schedules to avoid developing and preventing an onset of any health conditions. Also, regular breaks from computer screens coupled with short periods including physical games and interesting activities could be considered as mini-rewards that children look forward to for being attentive during the online class.
2. Inserting A Physical Aspect To Studies
When it comes to subjects such as science or math, organizing safe experiments with readily available items at home can help children learn better. All of the content studied through online schooling can gain a physical aspect and help them remember as well as integrate information better.
Doing math problems with lego models and other interactive objects will help them gain a picture of the otherwise dry information provided in textbooks. By doing so, your child will also focus away from screens. Sensory stimulation can also do wonders for their understanding and knowledge retention which can be handy for them during tests.
3. Reduce Unnecessary Time Spent On Devices
In a digital world where even young children are often addicted to social media, online games and the like, it is necessary to reduce the time spent in this manner. In order to ensure more self-dependence and curiosity in children, it is necessary to expose their minds to different subjects of interest that can also be found outside their laptop and smartphone screens.
This will also do wonders for their sleep patterns and cycle, as the blue light emitted from such digital screens can also affect the hormones in the body from being produced at a needed hour of the day. Effective parental controls can be applied to devices to practice this discipline with children and help them grow better.
By adopting these measures, you as a parent can ensure your children’s health remains a priority even in the times of such sudden and unexpected crises.