15 Ways Screen Time Can Actually Enhance a Child’s Life

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Ask any parent today what their greatest challenge is, and managing screen time ranks high on the list. With continued advances in technology and constant access to screens, parents struggle to balance allowing their children to use devices for educational purposes and limiting overall screen time. This issue is especially prevalent today, as more and more schools are incorporating technology into their curriculum.

Rightly so, parents worry about the potential negative effects of screen time on their developing children. Child psychologists and experts in children’s development often emphasize that too much screen time can adversely affect a child’s growth. But how much is too much?

On the other hand, it’s important to note that screen time is not entirely negative and can have its benefits if used correctly. In fact, it has become an integral part of our modern-day society, with screens being integrated into almost every aspect of our lives.

Let’s explore the potential positive effects of screen time.

1. It Promotes Literacy

Education platforms and teachers recognize that many young readers aren’t getting the daily exposure they need to reading material. This makes it hard for them to keep up with their own reading level.

Despite hesitancy to use tech for reading, it can be a great tool for closing the gap in the education system’s “reading crisis” by giving children access to books, magazines, and other reading material.

Reading apps have interactive features that capture children’s attention and make reading more fun. For example, children can tap on words or images to hear the correct pronunciation, improving their vocabulary and reading comprehension.

2. It Helps Improve Communication

A child’s communication skills can improve if screen time is spent reading E-books and learning how to spell and pronounce new words (rather than watching a show or game like a zombie). Their reading proficiency also improves and is cheaper than if you were buying physical books.

Additionally, screen time can improve communication skills through virtual platforms such as video conferencing or messaging apps. Children can connect with family and friends who may live far away, helping them to maintain relationships and develop social skills.

3. Development of Fine Motor Skills

Online games help the child develop their hand-eye coordination as they maneuver the knobs and keys and follow moving targets on the screen. These skills are essential for everyday tasks such as writing, drawing, and typing.

With proper guidance, the right choice of activities, and balance, screen time can be used to improve a child’s fine motor skills.

4. Helps a Child Be Ready for School

Many nursery rhymes help a child learn how to count and spell and are essential for preparing a child for school. Others can prepare older kids for the thing they’d want to enroll to learn.

Find programs or apps that teach what you want your child to learn and watch with them, helping them navigate what’s harder to understand. These types of programs, rather than passive watching, can be beneficial in preparing your child for a successful academic experience.

5. Fitness and Movement Apps

Some apps and games encourage physical activity and exercise. These can be a fun way for kids to stay active while using screens, promoting a healthy lifestyle. Plus, finding exercise programs that also incorporate learning or a story can enhance a child’s ability to learn and retain information.

Obesity in children has risen in the recent past with the current sedentary lifestyles of most families. Get everyone moving with the online exercises.

6. Helps Improve Digital Literacy

We live in the digital age, and proficiency with technology is crucial. High-quality screen time can contribute to developing digital literacy skills, including responsibly navigating online platforms and critically evaluating digital content.

All education is good; it’s an added advantage when a child has some digital literacy. Learning skills like coding and programming can open up career opportunities for children in the future.

7. Problem-Solving Games

Not all online games are bad; certain video games are designed to promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These games challenge kids to strategize, plan, and make decisions, contributing to the development of cognitive abilities.

Spend an evening playing some of these games as a family and see how helpful they can be. The family interaction is also an added bonus for encouraging a well-balanced, thriving child.

8. Enhances Creativity and Imagination

Life off-screen is great for developing kids’ imagination, but certain screen-based activities, such as digital art, coding, and creative apps, can also encourage and enhance a child’s creativity and imagination. It’s all about keeping them engaged and interactive with their screens.

Platforms like Minecraft, for example, allow kids to build and explore imaginative worlds.

9. It Allows Virtual Exploration

You may not have the money or time to take a trip to Egypt or the San Diego Zoo, but your kids can still visit the pyramids of Gaza or watch penguins playing from the comfort of your home.

Screens can be a window to the world, allowing children to virtually explore different cultures, historical events, and natural wonders. Virtual field trips, documentaries, and educational videos can broaden their perspectives.

10. Improves Social Skills

Today’s world is globally interconnected, and screen time can facilitate communication and social interaction for kids worldwide.

Video calls, messaging apps, and online games can help kids stay connected with friends and family and foster social skills. However, ensure that any online communication is with a trusted, known person and always monitored.

11. Teaches Time Management

Setting limits on screen time teaches kids how to manage their time effectively and prioritize different activities in their daily lives. Kids are prone to tantrums and disappointment when changing activities. Finding ways to move on to other fun activities is a great life skill to learn.

It also helps them understand the importance of balancing screen-based activities with other tasks and responsibilities.

12. Enhances Multitasking Skills

With proper guidance, kids can use screen time to develop multitasking skills. For instance, they can take notes or complete other tasks while watching educational videos.

Multitasking is a valuable skill in the digital age when we are constantly bombarded with information and must juggle various relevant tasks simultaneously. Parents can also teach their kids the importance of time when they shouldn’t be multi-tasking to encourage better focus, less stress, and efficiency.

13. Encourages Self-Directed Learning

Due to the vast amount of knowledge and resources available on screens, children can engage in self-directed learning, exploring topics and subjects they are interested in. They can pursue a wide array of interests and passions without enrolling in expensive classes or living in a certain region, making it possible to truly support a child’s budding interests.

This can foster curiosity, autonomy, and a love for learning, making them lifelong learners.

14. Promotes Family Bonding

Screen time can also be an opportunity for family bonding. Watching movies or playing games together can create special memories and strengthen relationships with loved ones. This is especially true if you discuss the movie afterward or devise fun-themed activities related to it.

It’s crucial to set boundaries and ensure that screen time is balanced with quality family time. Plus, not all types of screen time are created equally. Instead of discouraging screen time wholly, parents should focus on regulating it and ensuring that the content their children consume has educational value.

By understanding the potential benefits of screen time, parents can make more informed decisions about incorporating it into their child’s daily routine. With proper guidelines and supervision, screen time can be a beneficial tool for children’s growth and development

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