Children often use electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets to play games, explore apps, and watch their favorite movies and TV shows. Though screen time can be educational, too much of it may interfere with your child's performance in academic programs. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent problems. Here's more about screen time and how to promote your young one's success in school. 

What Are the Negative Effects of Screen Time?

Unstructured playtime refers to children engaging in activities of their own invention that do not have predetermined rules or guidelines. This "free" play can stimulate your child's imagination and boost their problem-solving skills. However, if screen time replaces unstructured playtime, your young ones may miss out on these cognitive benefits, which can hinder their learning and ability to complete assignments in academic programs. 

Too much passive screen time may leave less time for reading or hearing books read aloud. Infrequent reading can interfere with your child's vocabulary development, comprehension of stories, and listening skills, which may set them behind in their school classes.

Smartphones and tablets emit blue light. Looking at screens may inhibit the body's production of melatonin, which is the hormone that generates feelings of sleepiness. If your child's screen time extends into the evening, they may not feel tired until later at night, preventing them from getting the nine to 13 hours of nightly sleep that preschool and school-aged children require. Without adequate sleep, kids might feel tired during class, experience difficulty focusing, and have trouble processing and retaining information, which can lead to poor academic performance. 

How to Limit It 

Prevent screen time from becoming excessive and having a negative impact on your child's education by limiting their use of smartphones and tablets after school. Each day, set a timer for about one to two hours, during which time your young one may use these devices. When the timer runs out, have your child power down and put away devices for the rest of the day. Additionally, prohibit the use of screens during meals or while completing homework.

Build tech-free time into your schedule by reserving at least one day each week for unstructured playtime after school in lieu of screen time. Prioritize reading over device usage by reading books with your kids during snack time and before bed. You can also impose a curfew on screen time. One hour before bed, ask your kids to put away devices, which can encourage melatonin production, help them feel tired, and promote a good night's sleep. 

Set your child on the path to academic success by enrolling them in Wake Village Playskool. This learning center offers preschool programs, kindergarten classes, and before and after school care to kids throughout Bowie County, TX. Call (903) 838-5424 to sign up your kids for academic programs, and visit the website to learn more about their enriching curriculum.