According to studies conducted in recent years by psychologists and specialists in neuroscience, the excessive time spent in front of phones, tablets and TVs can affect both physical and mental health.
Over 90% of children under two years are exposed to screens
The most alarming figures attest that one in four children spend more than three hours a day in front of the screens and implicitly suffer from anxiety and depression. Research also shows that over 90% of children under two years are exposed to screens, which can slow down the development of brain areas responsible for language, attention and control.
“Sensory integration therapy can be a solution to the behavioral problems facing children who spend a long time in front of the TV and phone screen, because these devices can overstimate certain senses (visually and auditory) and the others (tactile, proprioceptive, vestibular). This excessive exposure can lead to problems such as attention, anxiety, hyperactivity or delays in motor and social development”, Says Camelia Neacșu, clinical psychologist.
“After about 3-6 months of therapy, most children manage to maintain their concentration for longer periods in offline activities. Children interact after better therapies with colleagues, participate in group activities and develop their empathy“, Camelia Neacșu adds.
Parents who are determined to access this type of therapy now know what can be expected following sensory integration therapy, a procedure whose results have been carefully monitored by specialists around the world.
“Through sensory activities and emotional regulation exercises in therapies, children have become calmer and less dependent on digital stimuli, which implicitly led to reduction of anxiety and irritability symptoms. According to my professional expertise, I am sure that sensory therapy, when combined with speech therapy, can lead to improvement of communication and verbal expression skills.“, Camelia Neacșu added.
Parents need to get involved actively, along with psychologists
There is a solution for combating this phenomenon and for parents who want to be actively involved and independently in managing this problem. Most of the time, specialized help needs sustained support from parents, who are mainly responsible for correcting unhealthy habits of children.
“The most effective method is a combination of limiting exposure to the screen and stimulating alternative activities, which involve cognitive, emotional and physical development. Setting clear limits by gradually reducing the time spent in front of the screen, so that it does not exceed 1-2 hours a day, depending on age. Promoting offline activities, encouraging role -playing games, creative activities (drawing, modeling, reading), sports and time spent outdoor. Creating predictable routines by establishing fixed hours for the screen and alternating them with educational and recreational activities. All these techniques help to remedy the problems generated by the exposure of children to the long -term screen“, completed the clinical psychologist Camelia Neacșu.
Among the harmful effects attracted by the unlimited time spent by children in front of the screens are the increase of the risk of childhood obesity. In this sense, it is shown that when children spend more than two hours a day in front of the screen have a 30% higher risk of obesity.
Eye problems (dry eye syndrome, blurred view) and frequent headaches may occur. Moreover, the posture is affected, which thus becomes an incorrect one and there is an increased risk of occurrence of musculoskeletal problems due to the prolonged state in the same position.
By creating a balanced family environment and offering attractive alternatives to technology, the dependence on the screens can be significantly reduced, but when the way of life of both parents is a very active and extremely demanding one, a safe solution is the specialized centers in helping children with behavioral problems.
