Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
In an age where screens have become ubiquitous, striking a balance between technological exposure and the well-being of our children has become a pressing concern for parents worldwide. Recognizing the significance of this issue, the Bangalore Warrier Samajam recently conducted another enlightening "Expert Talk" as part of its monthly series. The subject of the talk was "Healthy Screen Time for Kids," and the presenter was Keerthi Radhakrishnan, a Pediatric Psychologist at Rainbow Children's Hospital in Bangalore.
Meet Keerthi Radhakrishnan
Keerthi Radhakrishnan is an upcoming expert in her field. Armed with an M.Phil in Psychology from Christ University, Bangalore, she has contributed her expertise to renowned institutions such as Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, where she served as an Awake Surgery Neuropsychologist.
Screen Time: A Double-Edged Sword
The heart of Keerthi's presentation revolved around the impact of screen time on children. She emphasized that exposure to screens, especially in a post-COVID world, has introduced a multitude of factors that parents need to consider. These include the potential for exposure to violence, risk-taking behavior, misleading information, inaccuracies, cyberbullying, and negative stereotypes.
While screens have undeniably become a vital window to the outside world, it's crucial to strike a balance. Keerthi highlighted the advantages of screens, such as facilitating new learning and aiding in homework. However, she also drew attention to the disadvantages, including addiction, reduced reading habits, the fear of missing out, sleep problems, and weight issues.
Setting Healthy Limits
One of the key takeaways from Keerthi's presentation was the importance of setting boundaries. She recommended that children under the age of 2 should ideally have zero screen time. For children aged 5 to 17, screen time should not exceed two hours per day, excluding homework-related activities.
Control Strategies
Keerthi Radhakrishnan didn't just present the problems; she offered solutions as well. She emphasized the need to create alternate habits and routines for children. Encouraging breaks from screens, she suggested activities like regular walks in the park and non-online classes, such as singing or dancing classes. Additionally, Keerthi stressed the importance of engaging children in face-to-face interactions to reduce their screen dependence.
Q&A Session: Addressing Real-World Challenges
During the Q&A session, a concerned parent raised the issue of a child addicted to watching TV during meals and refusing to eat without it. Keerthi Radhakrishnan provided a practical solution—increasing physical activity as a means to encourage the child to eat without the screen as a distraction. In conclusion, the "Expert Talk" on Healthy Screen Time for Kids, conducted by Bangalore Warrier Samajam, was a valuable opportunity for parents to gain insights into the complex issue of managing screen time for children. Keerthi Radhakrishnan's expertise and recommendations shed light on the challenges and solutions in this digital age, emphasizing the need to prioritize the psychological well-being of our children. With knowledge and awareness, parents can strive to provide their children with a balanced and healthy relationship with screens. Keerthi Radhakrishnan is available for consultation at the Rainbow Children's Hospital here
Very informative talk Keerthi. Thank you