Parenting Tips: Nowadays, mobile phones, tablets, and televisions have become a significant part of children's lives. Often, busy parents hand over mobile devices to their children. But is this habit healthy? Renowned pediatrician Dr. Ravi Malik shared a post on his Instagram handle addressing this issue. In this post, the doctor explains how much screen time is appropriate for children according to their age. Let's find out more:

0 to 2 years
According to Dr. Malik, children from birth to two years of age should not be exposed to any kind of screen. At this age, children learn the most by interacting with their parents, observing facial expressions, playing, and engaging with their surroundings. Screen exposure can negatively impact their brain development, language skills, and emotional development. Therefore, try to ensure that your child spends time with you, plays, talks, and explores their environment.

2 to 5 years
Children aged two to five years should not be given more than one hour of screen time per day, and only if the content is of good quality. At this age, parents should always watch videos with their children and explain what they are watching.

5 to 10 years
Children in this age group are more active, so screen time should be limited to two hours per day. ​​Also, establish some rules, such as no mobile phones during mealtimes or no screen time before bed.

11 to 13 years
Besides schoolwork, children in this age group should not spend excessive time on screens.

14 to 18 years
The doctor says it's difficult to keep teenagers completely away from screens, but they can be taught to maintain a balance. They should prioritize sufficient sleep, exercise, and spending time with family and friends.

What should parents do?
Dr. Malik suggests that parents should establish some specific rules regarding their children's mobile phone use. For example:

Keep certain areas of the house screen-free, such as bedrooms, study areas, and the dining table.
Watch content with younger children and discuss what they are watching. Encourage outdoor play, reading books, and spending more time with family instead of screen time.
Most importantly, parents should also adopt healthy screen habits themselves and avoid using their mobile phones for extended periods in front of their children.

PC Social Media