Parents often rely on screen time to keep their children occupied for a few minutes, allowing them to enjoy a cup of coffee or use the bathroom without interruptions. However, one nanny has shared her concerns after witnessing a four-year-old girl she cares for drastically change due to tablet usage, and she is urging parents to avoid it at all costs.
In a post on Reddit, the nanny revealed that she looks after the little girl part-time and also teaches pre-kindergarten. She expressed her disappointment, saying, “Pre-iPad, this kid had a decent attention span and enjoyed various activities like crafts, walks, building forts, and playing board games.”
However, since the introduction of the tablet, the child’s behavior has taken a negative turn. The nanny explained, “Now all she wants to do is play on the iPad. Whenever I try to redirect her to another activity, she becomes irritated within minutes and demands to go back to the iPad. It’s made a huge difference in the worst way. She’s irritable and not at all the same kid she was before.”
The nanny also mentioned that she has discussed her concerns with the parents but feels limited in what she can say since she only looks after the child for a few hours a week. She concluded, “It’s sad to see another kid’s brain being fried by Roblox and Youtube.”
Dr. Samina Yousuf, a pediatrician for OSF HealthCare, highlighted the potential negative effects of excessive screen time on children’s physical and mental health. She emphasized that it can lead to issues such as obesity, depression, behavioral problems, and anxiety. Additionally, excessive screen time can disrupt children’s sleep patterns and hinder their performance in school.
Dr. Yousuf stressed the importance of teaching children patience and real-world communication skills, which are often lacking in excessive screen time. She explained, “Impatience in real-world interactions is one of the biggest results of excessive screen time. It’s important for children to learn to wait, listen, and respond, as it lays the foundation for healthy relationships and friendships.”
According to Dr. Yousuf, the following guidelines are recommended for children’s screen time:
– Under two years old: Zero screen time, except for video chatting with family or friends
– Two to five years old: One hour per day co-viewing with a parent or sibling
– Five to 17 years old: Generally no more than two hours per day, except for homework
It’s crucial for parents to be mindful of their children’s screen time and its potential impact. If you have a story or experience to share, you can email eve.wagstaff@reachplc.com.