Play is very important for everyone, and even all animals; it’s how we learn, exercise, and just have fun. However, with the introduction of technology, especially in the last ten years, play has become less common. Studies show that the average 12-year-old child spends around seven hours a day using electronic devices. There are many problems that are being created by our overuse of technology, but there are also solutions. We can use play to help combat these problems while still having fun.

 

In a world that becomes increasingly reliant on technology, play is a crucial part of life that can benefit your health. Play helps children develop emotionally and physically. It helps strengthen the bond between a child and a parent, as it is a way for a child to practice independence and learn to accept their parents’ control. Adults also need play as much as children, as it ca

n keep your mind sharp, slow the aging process, and allow people to form closer relationships. Screen time, such as television and video games, makes us less sociable as it limits our interaction with the people around us. It also decreases your amount of play time, as it can make us complacent. It’s important to embrace play in all forms, because the benefits are almost limitless, especially the social benefits!

Most people in society tend to be very attached to their screens. This can cause many problems in our lives, and it’s very easy to let it take over and push other things in our lives out.

 For example, we’re seeing a lot of teenagers and children who develop “technology addiction”, meaning they don’t spend very much time away from their screens and it’s causing issues in their personal relationships and schoolwork. As a society, we should all be taking initiative in ensuring our screens don’t take over our lives and it can be easy to do so by spending more time in present and turning off devices during dinners and social events.

The effects of overuse of technology and screen time are somewhat controversial. While some argue there are no negative effects, others argue that it can harm relationships with other people, make one lazy, and cause anxiety. There can be different effects rom person to person, so it’s important to monitor your kids’ (and your own) screen time and make sure you limit usage in your home. If you feel like there’s been too much screen time, take a walk outside, or even go for a run! Also, make sure you get plenty of sleep, so turn off all screens 60-90 minutes before sleeping. Screens stimulate the brain, and interfere with our ability to sleep.
Some other things you can do to help limit your screen time include putting your phone on silent, leaving your phone in your room while you’re with other people, and even unplugging your TV when it’s not in use!
As a dad with a young child, I’ve had to learn how to balance the use of technology. I love that my kid is using technology to learn, create, and collaborate, but I have seen the harmful effects of overuse. I do want my kid to have a healthy relationship with technology, so they can use it to their full potential, though it’s clear that a balance is needed.
The most important thing to remember is to monitor your child’s screen time. If you can, try to set limits for how much time they spend on their devices each day. Show them you care by actually being present when they are with their devices. Make sure to set time for family dinners, walking, exercising, playing, and socializing. Time for family, time for work, time for school, and time to sleep all come before screen time.
The digital age is all consuming. We’re constantly watching, texting, posting, liking, and scrolling through our screens. This has become a real problem, especially when you factor in how much time kids are spending on screens. If you’re having problems with screen time overload, there are plenty of ways to combat it! The easiest way is to establish screen time limits, but you can also get creative with outdoor activities or even make bouts of board or card games with your family. The more you ensure your kids are spending time in the REAL world, the less they’re spending time in the digital one!