Our Mommyhood

In this technological age, many concerns have risen regarding the amount of time children spend in front of computer and television screens, especially playing video games. Mothers tell their children screen time is limited to avoid future vision problems, health issues from radiation, obesity, and even the potential for ADHD. There is some merit to these concerns, but there are also ways to avoid these possible effects. As a growing number of online experts and even PhD educators will attest, the potential educational benefits of specific onscreen activities should also be considered before throwing out the television set and locking up the game system.

Vision Problems

The risks of vision problems from sitting too close to the television and staring too long at a computer screen are very real. When focusing on a screen, especially when playing video games or absorbed in computer work, adults and children alike tend to lean forward and close the distance between the screen and their eyes.

There is reportedly no evidence watching television or computer screens can harm the eyes, even when sitting in close proximity. However, staring at a computer or television screen for long periods of time can cause eye strain, which does contribute to vision problems if experienced regularly.

Eye strain creates discomfort and can also lead to headaches. This can be alleviated by looking away from the screen and focusing the eyes on something else every ten minutes, if not more often. This effectively gives the eyes a break. Another way to avoid discomfort is to regularly blink the eyes, which keeps them moist. Children especially should be kept from getting so lost in their screen activities that they forget to take breaks.

Health Issues from Radiation

Many a mother has warned her child too much time in front of a screen will fry the brain. While the graphic image is hyperbolic, there are electromagnetic fields and radiation emitted from television and computer screens, as well as from computers themselves.

Research and evidence of the health risks associated with exposure to the electromagnetic fields emanating from televisions and computers aren’t conclusive, so the dangers can’t be proven or neatly summed up. However, the strength of the fields radiating from these devices can be measured and appropriate caution suggested.

The radius of an electromagnetic field surrounding a device depends upon the strength of the field. Eighteen inches is considered to be a safe distance from a screen. Since computer towers can be placed at a distance from the screen, the user can sit a safe distance of over three feet away from the computer tower. For a television, a distance of at least three feet may also be safe depending on the model. It’s best to sit as far away as is comfortable. Limiting time spent using computers or watching television reduces exposure, so spending less time in front of screens is one sure way to avoid any issues, whatever the case may be.

Obesity

Unhealthy weight can be associated with too much television and computer time at a young age. This can be seen when excessive television and computer use replace physical activity and when there is a lack of awareness to counteract the allure of junk food commercials. However, by setting reasonable limits on the amount of time in front of the television or computer and the scope of programs and websites available, mothers can give their kids the benefit of educational programs and activities without letting them become couch potatoes.

Potential for ADHD

Misbehavior associated with ADHD has been shown to be elevated in proportion to the amount of time children spend entertaining themselves with certain types of media. This doesn’t mean all computer and television activities cause these problems. Children who engage in computer research regularly actually have less tendency towards ADHD.

The types of games played can also have a positive effect on behavior. A specific computer game was created to help children with ADHD overcome their symptoms. This game affected memory, and 75 percent of the participating children had reduced ADHD symptoms after the study.

It’s too simple to say screen time causes vision problems, health issues from radiation, obesity, and ADHD. The possible educational benefits of certain television programs, computer activities, and games needs to be taken into consideration. Instead of making blanket statements regarding excessive screen time, mothers have the opportunity to instill preventative habits into their children to avoid these potential ill effects while also allowing them to reap the benefits of computer and television use for educational and developmentally healthy purposes.

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