Screen Time

Guidelines
 Screen time is the total time spent per day in viewing
any screens such as mobile phone, TV, computer,
What Constitutes tablet, or any hand-held or visual device.
Screen time When screen time starts to interfere with daily
functioning, it starts to be excessive

TYPES OF CONSUMPTIONS

1 PASSIVE CONSUMPTION

2 INTERACTIVE CONSUMPTION

3 COMMUNICATION

4 ACADEMIC/CREATIVE
Effects of Increased Physical health
Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, headaches, eye
Screen Time strain, neck, back, and wrist pains
Behavioral problems
Spending more than two hours is more likely
to cause emotional, social and attention
problems.
Mental Health
Hyperactivity, aggression, desire for instant
gratification, poor concentration, FOMO ,
cyberbullying, media addiction, distorted
perception of beauty &/or body standards,
mood disturbance due to access to porn, drug
use, self-harm, anxiety and depression
Irregular sleep
The more time spent watching on a screen,
the more likely children are to have trouble
falling asleep or have an irregular sleep
schedule. Sleep loss can lead to fatigue and
increased snacking.
Developmental issues
Speech delays and reduced reading
comprehension is reported in children who
have access to screens prior to age 2
Impaired academic performance
Students who access screens in their
bedrooms tend to perform worse on tests
than do those who don't have these in their
bedrooms
 Is there a problem?
Is internet addiction real? Signs that there is a screen
time problem
• Unhealthy use of media can
lead to addiction. • Preoccupied with screen time
• Internet gaming addiction is a • Loss of interest in other
mental disorder. activities
• Media addiction may be
• Interferes with socializing
associated with other disorders
such as attention deficit • Unsuccessful control
hyperactivity disorder • Is causing family conflict
(ADHD), depression, and • Withdrawal/Aggression when
anxiety. controlled
• Media addiction can be • Deception
treated by consulting mental • Source of stress relief and
health professionals. mood booster
 So what is acceptable screen time
by age?
24 Months 2-5 years
No screen time except for 1 hour or less screen time per
video calling day. Very High quality of
content. To be watched as a
standalone activity and not
alongside eating/before sleep
6-12 years
1-2 hours. Place consistent
limits on time and types of
media being used. Do not let it
affect eating, sleep or play
time.
12 and above
Ensure they get 1-2 hours of
playtime after school and 9 hours
of sleep time. Screen time to fit in
between these activities.
Online rules to teach your child

• Treat others, as you want yourself to be treated.

• Use the right language for communication.
• Respect the copyright laws and do not download or
copy without permission.
• Think before you type, post, and share to check, if it is
true, kind, and legal.
• Anything posted online cannot be erased permanently,
as it leaves a digital footprint.
• Make internet a safe place by reporting online
misbehavior to trustworthy adults
Staying Cyber-Safe

• Ensure child’s profile is private

• Restrict posting photos/selfies on any public
profiles/sites
• Never give out personal information including
name, address, phone number
• Restrict chatting with strangers
• Do not open emails from unknown people
• Do not respond to provocative messages
• Never agree to meet anyone who you have
only met online
• Always use parental controls
• Ask for passwords but respect their privacy
Responding to Bullying/inappropriate messages

• Reassure your child that you love him/her and will help
• Ask the child to take a break from the online world
• Block the sender & do not respond to the hurtful message
• Save the message to enable reporting
• If you know the bully, try talking to the parents
• Contact the school teacher to inquire about bullying in school.
• Try contacting the digital platform provider to block and report
the bully.
• If bullying does not stop, report to the cyber police

Cyberbullying, sexting, and online sexual solicitation are cybercrimes and can be reported
at https://www.cybercrime.gov.in or to the Childline phone number: 1098.
Limiting Screen time and
Introducing Safety • Start with compassion.
• Model Healthy Electronic Use
• Keep a schedule
• Explain Why You're Limiting Screen Time
• Encourage Other Activities
• Make Screen Time a Privilege
• Co-Watch as much as you can
• Create “Technology-Free Zones” or Times to
Unplug
• Keep Your Child’s Bedroom Screen-Free
• Gather data and reevaluate.