Parenting Tips: Mobile phones, tablets, and televisions have become a major part of children's lives these days. Sometimes, due to their busy schedules, parents hand over their mobile phones to their children. But is this a healthy habit? Renowned pediatrician Ravi Malik shared a post on his Instagram account regarding this. In this post, the doctor explains how long a child should be given a mobile phone or how much screen time they should have, depending on their age. Let's explore this:

0 to 2 Years
According to Dr. Malik, children should not be exposed to any kind of screen from birth to two years of age. At this age, children learn the most from talking to their parents, observing gestures, playing, and the environment around them. Screen exposure can impact their brain, language, and emotional development. Therefore, try to ensure that your child spends time with you, playing, talking, and understanding the surroundings.

2 to 5 Years

Children between two and five years of age should not be exposed to screen time for more than an hour a day, especially if the content is of high quality. At this age, parents should always sit with the child while watching videos and explain what they are watching.

5 to 10 Years

Children this age are more active, so screen time should be limited to two hours per day. Also, establish some rules, such as no mobile phone use during meals or before bedtime.

11 to 13 Years
At this age, children should not spend too much time on screens except for schoolwork.

14 to 18 Years

Doctors say it's difficult to keep teenagers away from screens completely, but they can be taught to maintain a balance. They should prioritize adequate sleep, exercise, and socializing with family and friends.

What should parents do?
Dr. Malik says parents should establish specific rules for children's mobile phone use. For example:

Keep certain areas of the house screen-free, such as the bedroom, study area, and dining table.

Watch and talk to young children about content.

Instead of using screens, play outside, read books, and increase family time.

More importantly, parents should also adopt healthy screen habits and avoid prolonged use of mobile phones in front of their children.

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