During the school holidays, many parents may worry that children will spend too much time on screens, whether it’s mobile phones, tablets, computers, or televisions, which can have negative effects in many ways, such as screen addiction, reduced social interaction, or even physical and mental health problems. This article invites parents to cope with the “school holiday children” situation by raising children appropriately so that their beloved children can spend their free time meaningfully and not become overly addicted to screens.
Checklist of symptoms indicating screen addiction in children
- Obsessed and uninterested in other activities Children lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, such as playing sports, reading books, playing with friends, or doing art, because they are focused only on screens.
- Withdrawn or isolated from social interaction Some children choose to play on their phones or tablets alone instead of interacting with family members or friends.
- Difficulty controlling themselvesWhen not using screens, children may show signs of restlessness, boredom, and constantly needing stimulation.
- Spending more time than plannedEven if they intend or promise their parents to use screens for only 1 hour, it often extends to several hours and they cannot control themselves.
- Reacting violently or irritably when screen time is limited If parents or guardians try to reduce screen time, children may throw tantrums, become upset, cry, or show obvious aggression.
How dangerous is screen addiction in children?
Screen addiction causes children to lose interest in other activities and isolate themselves more, missing opportunities to learn new things around them and socialize with others. Prolonged screen use also affects children’s emotions, making it harder to control their feelings, increasing irritability, and possibly leading to aggressive behavior mimicking what they see on screens. Additionally, long screen time negatively impacts eye health, makes it harder to sleep, and increases the risk of obesity.
How should parents cope when their child is addicted to screens?
- Talk and understand your child calmly.
- Work with your child to organize a daily routine and limit screen time to specific periods.
- Plan activities with your child in advance for each day and allocate more time to do activities together, such as exercising, cooking, art, or playing music.
- Parents should be good role models by not being addicted to screens.
Coping with “children addicted to screens during school holidays” is not just about forbidding or limiting screen use but about creating a balanced life for children to grow appropriately, experience diverse, fun, and beneficial activities, and develop good time management habits. When children learn to use screens appropriately, have discipline in managing their time, and engage in creative activities with their family, the problem of “screen addiction” will naturally decrease. It is also a great opportunity to strengthen family relationships.
If you notice your child showing signs of “screen addiction,” you should promptly talk, find ways to help, and consult specialists such as developmental and behavioral doctors, psychologists, or teachers at school to collaboratively find ways to change behavior and plan appropriate screen use to prevent long-term negative effects on the child.
