Why do health experts recommend minimal screen time for children? It is important to know the facts around this, and it’s also important for your child to understand the reasons too! Let me break it down for you.
Screen time impacts brain development. Particularly in the first 7 years of life, the brain is developing most quickly. They are like sponges, soaking up the most information and forming vital pathways across every aspect of your brains functioning. It has been found that children who use screens longer than the recommended 1hour a day, have lower levels of development in the brains white matter which is vital for language, literacy and cognitive skills development.
This negatively impacts attention span, behaviour and regulation, language and communication, attention and thinking, sleep, and impairs executive functioning.
The exciting news is, that there are also ways to improve structure and organization of the brains white matter. Reading, and learning musical instruments are proven to do this. Ang get this, even juggling is a great white matter supporter!
So put away those iPads, phones, Tablets, Tvs, Laptops, computers (the list goes on), and bring out the juggling balls, instruments, and books! Enjoy a healthy lifestyle, powered by healthy choices. And love your brain, you only get one!
