Screen time a bad reward

DO YOUR parents reward you with extra screen time for good behaviour? According to a study, it may not be a wise idea as you are likely to get addicted to screen time.

Increased screen time often means a lack of exercise that might lead to being overweight and not doing well at school and socially.

The study showed that children whose parents use screen time as a way to get their children to do what they want spend more time on a smartphone, tablet, computer or in front of the television than children whose parents do not.

This resulted in children spending on average 20 minutes more a day on the weekend in front of a screen.

“It’s similar to how we shouldn’t use sugary treats as rewards because by doing so we can heighten the attraction to them. When you give food as a reward it makes children like the carrot less and the cake more. Same thing with screen time,” said Jess Haines, professor from the University of Guelph in Canada.

For the study, researchers included 62 children aged between 18 months and five years and 68 parents.

The findings showed that on average, children spent nearly an hour and a half in front of a screen during weekdays and slightly more than two hours a day on weekends.

Parents spending time in front of a screen when around their children was associated with the children having higher amounts of screen time. This happened more when the mother spent time in front of a screen.

Children who were permitted screen time during meals tended to spend greater time in front of a screen.

Meals should be a great time for the family to connect, said Haines. – IANS