Screen time, a blessing in disguise.

Screen time, a blessing in disguise.

Screen time for children has always been a very confusing topic for parents since they don’t know how much screen time is just enough or too much for the kids. Many articles have been written warning us of the dangers of too much screen time, but that does not mean that screen time is a bad thing, it should just be controlled and supervised. Parents should always monitor what their children are exposed to during screen time so as to make sure they don’t watch programs meant for adults. Supervised and controlled Screen time can be very educational. Children can learn languages, spellings and even attend online classes. Also, developmentally optimized media can benefit children, and is a proven learning tool. The following are ways on how to make screen time educational

By use of Educational apps.

There are Many apps available on the iOS store that can be used for education. Depending on the apps, kids can learn many different things. Children can learn basic coding from coding games, they can learn to play different musical instruments and even have music competitions through the apps, some apps which support face to face allow children to interact with other students and teachers and create a class environment and learn. Learning new languages has become easy since there are apps that do exactly that. For example, they can be learning new languages with apps like Babbel which provides up to 14 languages and is available on the iOS and android stores. Since the world is becoming a global village through the internet the language apps have become a very integral part for education.

Through Interactive learning apps

Since many children learn through interaction, a parent should favor apps that get the child involved and use the brain rather than just watching. Interactive apps come in different ways, gaming or even filling in puzzles. A child can learn art by drawing and painting. Through coding games, a child can use his brain to figure out missing pieces of code and create a game, they can learn spellings and many new words by playing word games by filling missing letters either online or offline. A child can learn how to pronounce words correctly when learning other languages and they can do that using apps such as babbEl.

Exposing children to open ended games.

Having open ended games on your devices will help the child use their brains more and always make them more innovative. They allow children to make choices and support their creativity. Through the open ended games, the child can be able to solve problems on their own, and make decisions confidently and navigate those decisions successfully.

Effective control.

Even though screen time is educational too much of it is not good therefore it should be controlled and supervised. This control and supervision can be achieved through placing consistent limits on screen time depending on the ages. Also take caution not to allow media to get in the way of getting enough sleep or being physically active.one can expose children to a wide variety of free-time activities, which don’t involve screens. You can also Keep TVs, iPads and other screens out of kids’ bedrooms. Also, turn off screens during meals and homework. To make screen time even more safe parents should learn how to block other content from being accessed by the children without adult supervision. A controlled and supervised screen time does more good to children than bad, since they learn more and develop even more.

Technology has become an integral part of living in this century. In all our day to day activities we must use technology, in traveling, communication, hospitals, and even in our schools. The world revolves around technology. It has become a necessity which cannot be avoided. Children cannot avoid technology since it is used in all aspects of life so to protect them from the negative side of it, parents should bring a balance by controlling and supervising what the children are exposed to.