The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first guidelines for screen time on electronics for children under the age of five. On April 24, 2019, the WHO announced that parents and guardians should limit their children’s screen time to one hour per day and that those who are under one should avoid electronic screens entirely.
The WHO deems these guidelines necessary in response to the concerning rise in sedentary behavior among the general population, which poses substantial risks to both physical and mental well-being. The organization emphasizes the fact that physical inactivity is a leading contributor to obesity and a main risk factor of premature death.
Infants under one-year-old are instructed to spend at least 30 minutes a day on their stomachs, promoting development. Older children should instead aim for a minimum of three hours of physical activity per day, as it ensures healthy growth and well-being.
On the other hand, some experts argue that the WHO’s guidelines overlook the potential benefits of digital media. Andrew Przybylski, director of research at the Oxford Internet Institute, criticizes the emphasis on quantity over content and context. He suggests that the guidelines should consider the educational value of digital media consumed by young children.
The Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health in Britain also expresses disapproval of the WHO’s recommendations, citing a lack of strong evidence to support specific screen time limits. Dr. Max Davie, the college’s officer for health improvement, believes that the suggested limits may not be proportionate to the potential harm caused by screen time. He declares that more research is needed to establish precise thresholds.
The WHO’s guidelines dance the tightrope, delicately balancing the potential perks of technology with the well-being of young children. In a world where digital devices have spread like wildfire in households across the globe, parents and caregivers are encouraged to embrace these recommendations as a harmonious symphony that fosters a healthy and balanced lifestyle for their little ones.
Sources:
https://www.latimes.com/people/associated-press. “No Screen Time for Babies and Only an Hour a Day for Kids under Age 5, WHO Advises.” Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2019, www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-screen-time-limits-children-who-guidelines-20190424-story.html. Accessed 14 June 2023.
The WHO deems these guidelines necessary in response to the concerning rise in sedentary behavior among the general population, which poses substantial risks to both physical and mental well-being. The organization emphasizes the fact that physical inactivity is a leading contributor to obesity and a main risk factor of premature death.
Infants under one-year-old are instructed to spend at least 30 minutes a day on their stomachs, promoting development. Older children should instead aim for a minimum of three hours of physical activity per day, as it ensures healthy growth and well-being.
On the other hand, some experts argue that the WHO’s guidelines overlook the potential benefits of digital media. Andrew Przybylski, director of research at the Oxford Internet Institute, criticizes the emphasis on quantity over content and context. He suggests that the guidelines should consider the educational value of digital media consumed by young children.
The Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health in Britain also expresses disapproval of the WHO’s recommendations, citing a lack of strong evidence to support specific screen time limits. Dr. Max Davie, the college’s officer for health improvement, believes that the suggested limits may not be proportionate to the potential harm caused by screen time. He declares that more research is needed to establish precise thresholds.
The WHO’s guidelines dance the tightrope, delicately balancing the potential perks of technology with the well-being of young children. In a world where digital devices have spread like wildfire in households across the globe, parents and caregivers are encouraged to embrace these recommendations as a harmonious symphony that fosters a healthy and balanced lifestyle for their little ones.
Sources:
https://www.latimes.com/people/associated-press. “No Screen Time for Babies and Only an Hour a Day for Kids under Age 5, WHO Advises.” Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2019, www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-screen-time-limits-children-who-guidelines-20190424-story.html. Accessed 14 June 2023.
