Parental screen time and it’s effects on children’s behaviour

Excessive screen time has been linked to attention, cognition, and sleep problems in children. 

Now, a 2018 study has looked at parent’s screen time and its effect on children’s behaviour. The children in the study were ages 1-5 years. 

The study also looked at parent stress as a variable. 

Interestingly, the study found that the more a parent stopped to use a device, the more the children would display “externalising behaviours.” 

Device use increased with parental stress – parents used the device to take modify their stress. With more device use, children would display worse behaviours, which further predicted parental stress, and parent stress then predicted more device use!! 

To quote the editor: – “This study supports a balanced approach, acknowledging that parents\’ devices allow them some relief from the stresses of parenting young children, but cautioning that when they interfere with parent–child interactions and activities, child behaviour can worsen, creating a vicious cycle.”

Our focus this month is “get moving.” We recommend good movement as a form of stress relief. 

This can include stretching, yoga, walking, play, and other forms of movement. It doesn’t have to include formal exercise. Dance can be a great physical outlet! 

Many of these movement approaches can be adopted without even leaving the house. 

Other forms of stress management may include the use of Chiropractic, meditation, nutrition, herbal, hobby creation, counselling, connecting with friends, and getting more sleep. 

Move well, and live well, this August.