Screen Time
This is undoubtedly one of the most popular conflicts between kids and their parents - Screen Time. It can be quite frustrating when your parents switch the TV off from their phone (it is possible) in the middle of an important or a tense scene in a show or if you’re a gamer, then when you are about to win. The popular response of parents when you ask for a little more time is “Why don’t you spend the same amount of time studying as you spend playing games or on the TV” or “I will switch off all the electronics if you don’t go and study or read a book right now” or something of that sort. In today’s time almost all the means of entertainment require a screen. Of course there are outdoor sports but you cannot play them at any given time of the day and you will also get exhausted playing them at a point. I think kids should get a say in their screen time. Obviously they too are equally concerned about their eyes. One common misconception about screen time is that screen time is bad. While excess of it is, watching TV or playing games can have their benefits.
Pros of screen time
It is a stress buster as it relieves you
You can connect with friends in faraway places
You socialise and strengthen your friendship with some friends you might not know very well through common interests such as common favourite shows or video games
Games or TV can be watched/played regardless of weather. So you can watch/play it even when the weather is bad or the conditions in which you play the game are not favourable
If you are good enough you could make a living out of this thing you love! With the internet readily available one can now make a living out of these things. If you play a game which attracts people you can easily make money off this from platforms such as YouTube, Twitch etc. If you follow or watch a particular show/movie then you can review it. People often refer to other people’s reviews before watching a show/movie
My point is that screen time CAN be used constructively and is not always negative. However that does not mean it doesn't have any bad stuff to it.
Cons of screen time
Can damage eyes. This one is probably the most obvious con of screen time
Shows/games can get very addictive. This is another major concern. After all, shows and games, especially games, are built to be addictive so more people play/watch them. You can get to a point when that's all you want to talk about
You can lose track of time. This might seem one that can be easily handled but the truth is most of us really get lost while playing a game/ watching a TV show and we get so engrossed in it that we lose track of time. This can have negative impacts on your life as it can seriously lower your productivity rate and you won’t be able to get work done efficiently
It can negatively impact your emotions. This is more for the gamers and also for not all games. While some games can boost your creativity, some can boost negative emotions, namely games in which you are fighting, shooting or any game which has any form of violence in it
Screen time can be both positive and negative. I like to find a set time for playing video games. That is, I will only play them at a certain time no matter whether or not my friends are playing at any other time. The trick to finding is when you are least likely to get things done and just want to chill out. My timings are also based on things like when most of my friends are playing. I usually play after a good day of productive things so it is like a reward that I am giving myself after a good day's work. Of course it does irritate me a little when my parents make a remark on my screen time. But the truth is that while most of today’s entertainment does require a screen, it should not mean that it is the only means of entertainment.
Very well written, good to hear the thoughts on this topic from a kid's perspective. I like the idea of rewarding yourself after a productive day
ReplyDeleteVery well drafted Shreyas, I could easily relate with your perspective on this topic ! Way to go ! Author in making....keep writing and expressing yourself 👍🏻
ReplyDeletetrue. screen time is bad all the time is incorrect but on the other hand its too addictive. we as mature adults also waste time on it. as parents if we are not watchful then children will definitely have no limitation.
ReplyDeleteExpressed your thought beautifully... totally agree screen time should be mutually consulted with parents...and even parents should also be available to children with no screens in their hand for some time
ReplyDeleteloved the way you put forth the pros and cons of screen time from a child’s perspective. As a parent, I do worry about the addictive nature of screens. There are couple other things that I worry about - When a child gets bored, he/she watches something on the TV and kills the creative opportunity that boredom presents. I have also seen less and less connection with nature due to time spent in front of screens
ReplyDeleteScreens are not going anywhere. Kids have a huge responsibility to balance their time. Internet and media is a great tool to use. Don’t let the screens rule you!
Wonderful read of child's perspective on screen time ....usually its a common arguement in every home...good to know that, they do understand the importance of time.
ReplyDeleteWell drafted. The view point of kids is presented logically. I am not convinced with all the points put in favour of Pros. It definitely cannot be a career. Your command on the language is praise worthy. Keep it up Shreyas!
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