In today’s digital age, screens are everywhere, from tablets and smartphones to TVs and computers. While technology offers amazing learning opportunities, entertainment, and communication, too much screen time can have negative effects on children’s health, behavior, and development.
Parents often ask: “How much screen time is safe for my child?” At Empower Kidz & Teenz Academy, we believe in helping families create a healthy balance between technology and real-life experiences.
Why Managing Screen Time Matters
Excessive screen time can affect children in several ways:
Physical Health: Sitting for long periods can lead to poor posture, eye strain, and reduced physical activity.
Sleep Disruption: Screens before bed can interfere with a child’s sleep schedule.
Social Skills: Too much screen time may reduce face-to-face interactions, limiting opportunities to practice communication and empathy.
Cognitive Development: Passive screen use (like excessive TV or videos) can impact attention span and creativity.
Recommended Screen Time Guidelines
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides these general recommendations:
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time, except for video chatting.
Ages 2–5 years: Limit to 1 hour per day of high-quality educational content.
Ages 6 years and up: Encourage consistent limits on recreational screen use while prioritizing sleep, physical activity, and other healthy behaviors.
Tips for Healthy Screen Use
Create a daily schedule for screen time that includes breaks, physical activity, and family interaction. Consistency helps children know what to expect.
Select educational apps, games, or shows that encourage learning, creativity, and problem-solving rather than passive consumption.
Watch or play together whenever possible. Discuss what they’re seeing or learning to make screen time interactive and meaningful.
Balance screen time with reading, outdoor play, creative projects, and hobbies. This supports social, cognitive, and emotional growth.
Children copy what they see. Demonstrating moderation and mindful technology use yourself encourages similar behavior in your child.
Final Thoughts
Technology is a valuable tool, but it should never replace essential life skills, real world learning, and quality family time. Teaching children balance and self-regulation around screens sets the foundation for healthy habits that last a lifetime.
At Empower Kidz & Teenz Academy, our programmes teach children essential life skills like time management, problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking—all while helping parents navigate challenges like screen time in a balanced way.
With our Membership Plans (from Free to Premium Plus), your child can access ongoing activities, lessons, and mentorship that encourage healthy habits, confidence, and growth.
Join Our Membership Today and help your child enjoy technology safely while developing important life skills!
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