3 Reasons to Monitor Your Kids’ Screen Usage
My kids are constantly begging me for more screen time. They’re always fighting over who gets to use the iPad or who gets control of the remote. Part of the reason they’re always begging for more screen time is that they don’t get much of it. I only let my children spend a few hours a week in front of screens because I’ve seen what excessive screen time can do to a person. Below is a list of reasons you should monitor your kids’ screen usage. If you aren’t careful, your children could become addicted fairly quickly.
It’s Hazardous for Their Eyes
Y’all, one of the biggest reasons I cut my kids’ screen time was because I know it’s bad for the eyesight. TVs and iPads are so bright. Although most devices allow you to adjust their luminance settings, too much luminance exposure can severely affect your eyesight down the line. The last thing I want is for my children to need glasses by the time they’re 13 because they’ve spent too much time in front of the TV. So, to protect my kids from future harm, I limit their screen time to only a few hours a week. They definitely don’t like it, but I have peace of mind knowing they’re safe and protecting their 20/20 vision.
They’ll Lose Interest in Other Activities
Sometimes, I just don’t understand younger generations. I was never inside growing up. My friends and I played outdoors, even in brutal conditions. Now, I have to bribe my youngsters to get some fresh air. One of the reasons you should monitor your kids’ screen time is because they may lose interest in other activities. One weekend, my mother watched the kids while I was away. When I came back, I found out that grandma gave them unlimited access to the iPad. It took me almost a week for me to wean them back off it. Children shouldn’t spend too much time in front of screens because they’ll miss all the amazing things going on around them. Encourage your little ones to get outside and exercise. Everyone will be happier for it.
It Could Expose Them to Violence
The internet is a scary place for a parent. You never know who’s out there and what harm they could cause your children. Perhaps the most significant reason you should monitor your kids’ screen usage is that they could be exposed to violence. I can’t believe the video games on the market these days. Even the ones deemed “age-appropriate” contain violence that I’m not comfortable with. The same goes for TV shows. Even though my husband and I put parental controls on the TV, I still demand to know what my children are watching. The truth is, you can’t trust anyone but yourself when it comes to these matters.
