Anna Hartz
Too much screen time may make children lose interest in real life
Screens have become a normal part of family life, but for young children, too much time online can make everyday activities feel less interesting. A child psychologist in Spain says parents should focus on gradual changes rather than trying to remove screens all at once.
Less exciting in comparison
Paloma Méndez, a child psychologist at Olympia Centro Médico Pozuelo and Hospital Universitario Quirónsalud Madrid, has warned about excessive screen use among children, writes el Economista. She said parents should reduce screen time gradually so children can adjust without becoming anxious or resistant.
Méndez said screens provide constant changes in light, sound and images. This can make normal activities seem boring by comparison. Playing with another child, listening to a teacher or reading a story may feel less exciting after long periods of screen use.
The problem can affect both learning and relationships with other children. Some studies have found a link between early exposure to digital technology and problems with attention and executive function.
Parents should watch for changes in behaviour. Warning signs can include increased irritability when screen time is limited, losing interest in activities that do not involve screens, social isolation and difficulty dealing with frustration or emotions.
Designed to be addictive
Méndez also pointed to the way social media is designed to keep people scrolling. Continuous streams of new content can repeatedly activate the brain’s reward system. This can lead to a high level of stimulation in a short period and make it harder for children to concentrate on quieter activities.
She said parents should also look at their own habits. Setting limits for children is harder when adults are constantly using their phones.
One useful step is to create specific times when phones and tablets are put away. This can reduce distractions and make family time more relaxed.
Méndez also recommends turning phones off or putting them on silent during shared activities such as meals and watching a film. Families should create other activities that children can enjoy with parents, siblings and friends from an early age.
She also advises keeping phones out of children’s bedrooms at night.
There is no single solution for every child, Méndez said. Parents should look at what was happening before excessive screen use became a problem. Their child’s social life, hobbies and activities should all be considered.
The goal is not simply to take screens away. It is to help children find other activities that are enjoyable and rewarding.
