Importance of screen limits by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

Importance of screen limits by Sarvessh Senthamarai Kannan

 Technology has become an important part of everyday life. People use phones, computers,

tablets, televisions, and video game systems for school, entertainment, communication, and

many other activities. Technology can be extremely useful, but spending too much time looking

at screens can make it harder to focus on other important parts of life. This is why having

reasonable screen time limits is important, especially for children and teenagers. Screen time

limits can help people develop healthier habits, get enough sleep, stay active, and spend more

time with family and friends.

One important reason to have screen time limits is that they can help people get enough sleep.

Many people use their phones, watch television, or play games late into the evening. When

someone stays on a screen instead of getting ready for bed, they may end up going to sleep

later than they planned. Not getting enough sleep can make it harder to concentrate, learn, and

have energy during the day. Setting a time to put away electronic devices at night can help

create a better bedtime routine.

Another reason screen time limits are important is that they encourage people to be physically

active. Spending hours sitting and using a device can take time away from activities such as

playing sports, riding a bike, walking, or simply going outside. Physical activity is important for

keeping the body healthy and can also be a fun way to spend time with friends. Having limits on

recreational screen time can encourage people to find other activities that get them moving.

Screen time limits can also help people focus on schoolwork. Phones, games, social media, and

videos can be distracting when someone is trying to study or complete an assignment. A person

might plan to spend only a few minutes checking their phone but end up spending much longer

than expected. Putting devices away while doing homework can make it easier to concentrate

and finish work efficiently. This can leave more free time afterward for entertainment.

In addition, limiting screen time can help people spend more quality time with family and friends.

It is easy for everyone in a household to become focused on their own device. Family members

might be sitting in the same room but not actually talking to one another. By having times when

devices are put away, families can eat meals together, play games, talk, or participate in

activities. Spending time with other people in person helps build stronger relationships.

Screen time limits can also encourage people to explore hobbies and interests outside of

technology. There are many activities that do not require a screen, such as reading books,

drawing, playing an instrument, cooking, building things, or participating in sports. Trying

different activities can help people discover new interests and develop useful skills. If someone

spends nearly all of their free time on a screen, they may miss opportunities to discover

activities they enjoy.

However, screen time is not always bad. Technology can be useful for education,

communication, creativity, and entertainment. Students may need computers or tablets to

complete assignments, research topics, or communicate with classmates. People can also use

technology to learn new skills and stay connected with family and friends. Therefore, the goal

should not necessarily be to avoid screens completely. Instead, people should learn how to

balance screen time with other important activities.

Creating reasonable limits can make this balance easier. For example, someone might decide

to finish homework and chores before playing video games or watching a show. Families might

also choose certain times when everyone puts their devices away, such as during meals or

before bedtime. The exact rules can be different for each person because everyone's

responsibilities and schedules are different. What matters most is making sure screen use does

not take over time that should be spent sleeping, learning, exercising, or connecting with others.

In conclusion, screen time limits are important because they can help people create a healthier

balance between technology and everyday life. Reasonable limits can encourage better sleep,

more physical activity, improved concentration, stronger relationships, and more time for

hobbies. Technology is a valuable tool, but it should be used responsibly. By setting limits and

making time for activities away from screens, people can enjoy the benefits of technology

without allowing it to control their daily lives.

Muppalla, S. K., Vuppalapati, S., Pulliahgaru, A. R., & Sreenivasulu, H. (2023, June 18).

Effects of excessive screen time on child development: An updated review and strategies

for management. Cureus. National Library of Medicine.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10353947/