Updated: October 29, 2023
Originally Published: November 20, 2019
Recently, a well-regarded blogger I follow released a video urging everyone to “focus on their own parenting” regarding other children’s screen usage. While I usually agree with her sentiments, I find myself at odds with her stance on this particular issue.
In many ways, your child’s screen time directly impacts my family. Allow me to explain.
I often hear parents claim that screens are essential for their “mental well-being.” They say it “keeps the kids quiet” and “provides a much-needed break.” As a mother of three boys—ages six, three, and two—I completely relate. Turning on a show can indeed be a quick fix in a chaotic moment. However, our mental peace should not come at the cost of our children’s safety. Unfortunately, it seems that adults prioritize quiet over the well-being of their kids.
This viewpoint may not sit well with many. Some might think I am judging them, and others could see this as a form of “mom-shaming.” I assure you, that is not my intention. I choose my words carefully, aiming to uplift rather than discourage fellow parents.
Our society’s relationship with screens and digital devices has drastically evolved. We are so entrenched in our digital dependencies that we often cannot envision life without the convenience they offer. More alarmingly, this dependency appears to be altering our brain’s structure and function. Research indicates that excessive screen time may lead to a reduction in brain matter. This is a concerning notion that should alarm us all. Although scientific consensus is still developing, health professionals express increasing concern over these findings.
So, let’s be clear—this is not about “mom-shaming.” We must address a pervasive issue affecting our community. When children exhibit diminished cognitive function, increased anxiety, and difficulty engaging socially, it impacts us all, and by extension, it certainly affects my kids.
When I hear comments like, “Mind your own business,” or “My parenting choices shouldn’t concern you,” I feel compelled to respond. Here are just a few ways your child’s screen habits influence my family:
- During grocery trips, if my kids try to engage with yours, they often receive no response because your children are focused on their devices. My kids ask, “Why won’t they talk to me, Mom?” It’s disheartening.
- At the playground, if your child brings a tablet or smartphone, my children quickly abandon their play to watch. We were having fun running around, but suddenly, the focus shifts to a screen I can’t control. I worry about the content they might be exposed to.
- It gets even more uncomfortable when your child hides in play structures, glued to their phone. I often find myself asking them to come down, concerned about what they might be viewing in a fast-food restaurant setting.
- When a child visits for a playdate but asks for my WiFi password instead of engaging in games.
- And when a child walks into the street because they are consumed by their screen, forcing me to slam on the brakes, rattling my own kids.
Let’s call this behavior what it is—addiction. We are all spending excessive time on screens. The evidence is mounting regarding its detrimental effects on children’s mental, physical, and emotional health.
You might be aware that you need to limit your child’s screen time, but how can you do that when our culture is structured around digital entertainment? The first step is to assess your own screen habits. Children mimic what they observe, and if you are constantly on your phone, they are likely to follow suit.
I can personally attest to the struggle of managing my phone usage, especially while working from home. It’s a daily battle, and I encourage you to join me in this effort.
Our family also grapples with screen time. We’re always assessing and adjusting our limits. Despite being stricter, some have suggested my kids are “digitally underdeveloped” because they lack constant screen access. This notion is not only laughable but also unsupported by scientific evidence.
Consider this analogy: What if we treated our digital habits like we do environmental concerns? If someone littered and said, “How does it affect you?” would we accept that? No, because it impacts the community at large. Similarly, digital addiction affects us all, altering our community’s fabric.
Our children need us to actively combat this trend. They require our focus and our advocacy in navigating a world that is increasingly obsessed with technology. This movement begins with parents recognizing that the desire for peace and quiet is not more important than the safety of our children.
Please don’t feel disheartened by this message; instead, view it as a challenge. Take action to reduce your screen time. Start today. For the sake of our children, we must prioritize their safety over our momentary convenience.
For further insights on managing screen time, check out this related post on Home Insemination Kit. They offer valuable perspectives on parenting challenges. Additionally, if you’re interested in enhancing fertility, learn more at Make A Mom. For a deeper understanding of reproductive health, visit News Medical for excellent resources.
Summary
This article examines the broader implications of children’s screen time and its impact on families and communities. It emphasizes the need for parents to be aware of their own screen habits and to prioritize their children’s safety over the convenience of quiet moments. The author urges collective action to address digital addiction and its effects on child development.