And no, she's not Filipino🙈.
It's the way they and we pronounce the YouTube channel on the internet. It's the icon that children find so quickly on tablets and mobile phones. It's the vast, unprotected space where we "put" our children whenever we "lose our nerve"...
Take a look at the tables of bars or restaurants... wherever there are children, often, if not always, those who are very young have cell phones in their hands watching videos with colors, motifs, and fast-moving images.
I don't want to preach, much less say that my children have never touched a cell phone.
But I wouldn't have written this note if I hadn't said today (with the pride of a parent who paid close attention to this problem) that my 6-year-old daughter hasn't touched her cell phone in 45 days.
The screen for young children is not simply a source of inappropriate or dangerous information or images.
I know many will say: I control what he sees, except for dolls for his/her age... everyone does that, give me some time to do work while he/she watches YouTube...
But the damage is greater than an untidy room, some unwashed dishes, and a coffee with childless friends who won't let you have a proper conversation.
I am listing some problems that arise in children who spend too much time in front of screens, based on medical and social studies:
• Increased risk of myopia
• Dry eye
• Difficulty sleeping
• Disturbed sleep cycles
• Obesity
• Problems with sitting for long periods of time.
• Social isolation.
• Emotional poverty
• Difficulty concentrating
• Low academic performance
• Dependence on technology
• Delay in language development
I haven't even mentioned the risk of inappropriate content yet...
So, dear parents, we need to take action immediately, to see how severe the opportunity cost is that our tolerance of the time our children spend in front of screens creates.
Now you will say, in theory, okay, but how is it done?
Here's another list, this time with suggestions on how to proceed:
• Set an example. Do not use your cell phone constantly and without reason in the presence of children.
• Set a time limit for screen use and stick to it.
• Replace screen time with physical activities, creative play, reading, or social interaction. (You know how much dough, plasticine, and games have taken over our house)
• Encourage children to discover new hobbies, such as drawing, sports, or music.
• Designate areas in the home where screens are not allowed, such as the dining room or bedroom.
• Do not allow screens during meal times or before bedtime.
• Organize family activities (remember what they are🙈)
• Explain to children why it is important to limit screen time.
• Discuss the dangers of excessive screen use, such as the impact on sleep and health.
• Persistence is key. Don't give up if children resist at first.
• Reward positive behavior when they respect established boundaries.
I know it's not easy. I know it takes a lot of patience, I know... but parenting is a responsibility above all else.
So for a long time now, a phrase my grandmother used to say has often come to mind:
"Raising a child is like digging a well with a shovel."
