Understanding Screen Time: An Occupational Therapist’s Insights on the Development of Australian Children
Screen time has become a significant factor in the daily lives of children across Australia and all over the world. In Occupational Therapy, the developmental impact of screen use is evident in many aspects of children’s health and well-being. Specifically on the child’s physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development.
The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) found that a significant number of Australian children exceed the recommended screen time guidelines which is two (2) hours per day. That includes watching the TV, computers, and playing digital games.
The study associated higher screen time with harmful outcomes in physical health, including increased body mass index (BMI) and reduced physical activity levels, as well as impacts on cognitive development and social skills. These findings emphasise the need for careful monitoring and regulation of screen time to ensure it does not interfere with the healthy development of children.
Screen Time’s Effects on Development
What can be the effects of excessive screen time that can lead to several physical, cognitive, and social challenges in children? Let us discuss a few:
1. Gross Motor Development – When screen time replaces active play, there is often a decline in muscle strength, endurance, and physical fitness, which can affect participation in sports and even as simple as navigating a playground.
2. Postural Issues and Musculoskeletal Strain – Prolonged screentime can manifest as neck and back pain or repetitive strain injuries in the hands and wrists, particularly when children spend long hours using devices without proper ergonomic support.
3. Fine Motor Skill Development – Limited opportunities for hands-on tasks such as drawing, writing, and manipulating objects can lead to under development of dexterity, prehension patterns, and hand-eye coordination, essential for academic and daily tasks.
4. Attention and Executive Functioning – Short and fast paced digital content can lead to poor concentration, short attention span, poor frustration tolerance, and challenges with impulse control, which are key components of executive functioning necessary for academic success.
5. Language and Communication Skills – When screen time replaces face-to-face interactions, particularly in early childhood, it can lead to delays in speech and language acquisition, as real-world conversations are essential for building these skills.
6. Problem-Solving and Creativity – Excessive screen time can limit opportunities for imaginative play and experiential learning. Interaction with the physical world allows children to explore, feel, experiment, and learn from hands-on experiences, fostering creativity and critical thinking. Physical play can also stimulate all the senses which is the foundation of early learning.
7. Social Skills and Empathy – When screen time replaces these interactions, children may struggle with interpreting social cues, managing conflicts, and forming meaningful relationships. It will limit the child’s ability to interpret non-verbal cues and body language which is essential for developing a sound theory of mind and relating to others.
8. Emotional Regulation – Overreliance on screens for entertainment can hinder a child’s ability to self-soothe/ regulate and manage boredom or frustration. This may result in heightened irritability and reduced tolerance for delayed gratification, making it challenging to develop healthy emotional regulation skills across all areas.
9. Mental Health – Exposure to inappropriate or overly stimulating content can contribute to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and behavioural issues especially in older children. Social media may introduce children to cyberbullying and unrealistic social comparisons, negatively affecting self-esteem and overall mental health.
It is important to recognize that, when used appropriately, screen time can offer several developmental benefits such as educational opportunities, accessibility and inclusion specifically for children with disabilities and learning challenges, and social connectivity for older children to increase their sense of community and social engagement.
We cannot eliminate screen time in this digital era. However, we can implement strategies for balanced screen use!
Strategies to Promote Healthier Screen Usage
1. Establish Clear Boundaries
Setting consistent rules around screen use, including time limits and designated screen-free periods, is essential. The Australian Department of Health recommends no more than one hour per day of screen time for children aged 2-5, with consistent limits for older children to ensure that screen time does not interfere with sleep and physical activity.
2. Encourage Active and Engaging Content
Prioritise interactive and educational content over passive consumption.
3. Promote a Variety of Activities
Ensure that children have ample opportunities for physical play, social interaction, and hands-on learning experiences. Activities such as sports, arts and crafts, and outdoor exploration are invaluable for holistic development.
4. Model Healthy Behaviours
Children often imitate adult behaviours. Demonstrating balanced screen use by limiting personal device time and engaging in alternative activities together as a family can encourage children to do the same.
5. Create Tech-Free Environments
Designating specific areas and times as screen-free can promote mindfulness and present-moment awareness. Bedrooms and dining areas are ideal spaces to keep tech-free to encourage better sleep and family interactions.
6. Monitor Content and Interactions
Staying informed about the content children are accessing and who they are interacting with online is important. Utilising parental controls and discussing internet safety can protect children and teach them responsible online use.
Be Mindful
In an era where technology is deeply integrated into daily life, it is important to approach screen time with mindfulness and intentionality. By understanding the complex impacts of screen use and implementing balanced strategies, families can support children’s development while allowing them to benefit from technology.
The goal is to create an environment that fosters optimal growth, ensuring that children thrive both on and off the screen.
By:
Dawn Ginete – Occupational Therapist
If you’d like to find out more about One Central Health, give us a call today on (08) 9344 1318.
