A screen time expert has highlighted three key indicators that a child may be spending too much time looking at phones, tablets or the TV.
Today (Monday, February 3) marks the beginning of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Organised by the charity Place2Be, which provides mental health support in schools, this week aims to raise awareness and support the mental and emotional wellbeing of children and young people across the UK.
Mental health refers to the way we think, feel, and behave. Poor mental health can have far-reaching consequences, impacting daily life, work and school, relationships, and self-perception
Various factors can affect mental health, and while treatments like therapy and medication may be necessary for some people including those with mental health disorders, simple lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve mental wellbeing for many people. Reducing screen time is a beneficial step for both children and adults.
Stephanie Kakris, co-founder of the ScreenCoach app – which is designed to help people limit their screen time – has identified three signs that may indicate excessive screen time in children, often manifesting in their emotions and behaviour. “Three key warning signs that your kid is having too much screen time,” she explained, with the first sign being mood changes.
Ms Kakris, the founder of ScreenCoach back in 2018, shared insights on key signs that may indicate issues with screen time in children. She emphasised that recognising these warning signs is crucial for parents to address potential problems early on.
Changes in mood
The first sign noted by Ms Kakris involves attitude changes. She said: “The first one is if you’re noticing that they’re starting to have a bad attitude.
“Being a bit grumpy, snapping, having that edge in their voice when they are talking to you.”
Sleep disturbances
“The second one is changes in their sleep patterns,” Ms Kakris added. “If they’ve been good sleepers and now they’re starting to not be able to fall asleep at night, or they’re feeling really restless at night or they’re not sleeping very well, or not being able to wake up in the morning, that’s another sign.”
Blue light from screens can be very disruptive to both adults and children. Exposure to blue light, which we get through phones, which can lead to confusion in our natural body clock.
Changes at school
Lastly, Ms Kakris shared a warning about your child’s behaviour at school. “A third warning sign is that they’re starting to be disruptive at school,” she said. Signs may include a previously well-behaved child engaging in fights, becoming a bullying target, or receiving negative feedback from teachers.
However, all three of these signs can be indicative that something else is the matter. If you notice any of these patterns in your child, it’s a good idea to talk to them to get to the root of the issue.
The Welsh government offers guidance to help recognise when children might be over-using screens. Signs include a child losing interest in activities they once enjoyed, preferring screen time over other enjoyable pursuits, becoming less responsive or ignoring others, and displaying “out of character” behaviour when their screen is removed.
If you are concerned about you or your child’s mental health, it is important to speak to a professional. Contact your GP or visit the NHS website for advice.