More time for physical activity

According to the Times of India, restricting the use of phones, tablets, and televisions gives children more time to run, walk, cycle, play ball, or enjoy outdoor activities. These activities promote movement and strengthen muscles and joints.

For young children, physical activity also helps them explore their environment and develop balance and coordination skills through actions like running and jumping.

Children under two years old should minimize screen exposure, while those aged two and above should use electronic devices for a suitable duration, up to one hour per day.

Children with less screen time have more opportunities for outdoor play, benefiting their physical and mental health. Illustrative photo: *Kim Uyen*

Better sleep quality

Using electronic devices close to bedtime can make it difficult for children to fall asleep. Engaging content on screens can also easily make children want to continue watching, thereby delaying their bedtime.

By limiting electronic devices before sleep, children have time to relax, read books, or converse with their parents. Quality sleep is vital for children's physical development, learning abilities, and memory.

Increased opportunities for parent-child communication

Children who spend less time in front of screens have more opportunities for direct interaction with those around them. Conversations during meals and playtime help children learn to listen, ask questions, and express their thoughts.

Direct communication plays a crucial role in language development and helps children observe facial expressions, gestures, tone of voice, and how others react.

Enhanced focus and concentration

Screen content often changes rapidly, with continuous images, sounds, and effects designed to capture attention. If children spend too much time on this content, transitioning to activities requiring sustained focus, such as reading, drawing, or doing homework, can become challenging.

Reducing screen time gives children more opportunities to engage in activities that demand prolonged concentration. For instance, children can play puzzles, read stories, color, build models, or complete a game step by step, as noted by Healthline.

Improved eating habits

Children who eat while watching television or phones are easily distracted, paying less attention to their food and their body's signals of fullness. This habit can lead children to eat too quickly, too slowly, or gradually become dependent on screens during meals.

Creating a screen-free dining environment helps children focus on their meals and interact with family. This is also an opportunity for parents to guide children in recognizing different foods, listening to hunger and fullness cues, and forming healthy eating habits.

Le Nguyen (Compiled)