LETTERS: THE way the younger generation live, learn and interact has changed tremendously over the years as childhood has been gradually saturated by technology.
Screen-based media are now embedded in the daily lives of children. It is not uncommon to see kids as young as 2 or 3 being glued to their electronic devices, even during meals.
The World Health Organisation, in its "Guidelines on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Sleep for Children Under 5 years of Age" published in 2019, calls for avoidance of screen-based media usage for children below the age of 2 and for limitation of screen time to one hour per day for children aged 2 to 5 years old.
That is similar to recommendations issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2016.
The term "screen time" is defined as time used for viewing of screen-based media such as television, computer, laptop, video games and mobile devices.
Research has shown various negative effects that become apparent when children are heavily exposed to screen time — from sleep disturbances and obesity to eye disorders.
Toddlers are more susceptible to the detrimental effects of screen-based media as the first few years of a child's life is the critical phase where rapid brain development takes place and essential competencies are acquired.
Inadequate or inappropriate social and emotional experiences in a child's early life can compromise the ability to socially bond and respond.
Displacement of parent-child interaction and active play with screen time in the phase of early childhood can be habit-forming in the long run.
With the current Movement Control Order (MCO) in place amidst the coronavirus pandemic, limiting screen time for young children can be extremely challenging.
Technology in the best interest of children has never been an easy balance for many families on a normal day — let alone during this Covid-19 crisis.
For parents who are working from home, these gadgets may potentially become a source of distraction for their toddlers or a "virtual
babysitter".
How can we help our young ones thrive in a nurturing environment despite being quarantined?
Here are some suggestions.
• Communicate. The more we talk to toddlers, the more they learn. Singing, reading out aloud or simply engaging toddlers in a conversation helps them build their vocabulary and level of confidence.
The kindness, cultural values and affections we instil in their minds are specifically tailored by us to our children. They can never be taught by electronic gadgets.
• Go offline as much as you can. Let's not keep checking notifications on our mobile phones. Schedule screen-based media usage as a home rule. Devices are to be switched off when not in use. Screen time is not recommended during meals and an hour before sleep.
• Value every moment with our young ones. "Technoference" or technology interference in parent-child interaction often takes place due to parental media addiction or media dependency.
Technoference interrupts emotional regulation and disrupts the toddlers' learning process that largely takes place through social interaction and imitation. So, do not let technology interfere with your conversations with your little ones.
• Indulge in interactive activities. Have your toddler with you when you do your chores. Get creative with things around the house. Convert old kitchen utensils to fun musical instruments. Build an imaginative fort and let them explore. Let them play and be messy!
• Decide the content of screen-based media allowed for children above the age of 2. Ensure it is age-appropriate. As much as possible, practise co-viewing or preview programmes before allowing kids to watch them.
Providing parental care with protection from threats of technology and interactions that are responsive and emotionally supportive for toddlers is certainly an uphill task. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Nevertheless, making the effort to create a developmentally stimulating home environment for them to grow in is vital.
Most importantly, let's create beautiful memories of this stay-at-home phase for our little ones with mindful usage of screen-based media.
DR CATHERINE THAMARAI A.
RAWANG, SELANGOR
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times