Screen Time

Too Young, Too Soon

Perhaps this scene might sound familiar to you: At a café, a little boy – no bigger than 4 –  was throwing tantrums and crying non-stop. Busy in her own conversations, his mother instinctively thrusts an iPad into the boy’s eager hands. The next hour passed uninterrupted as he buried his face in a bout of Angry Birds.

Indeed, this is an all too common sight nowadays. Although placating a child with a mobile device is easy and effective, there are numerous detrimental effects that could arise from over-dependence and prolonged usage of these devices.

1. Breeds an entitlement mentality

If appeasing the child with a mobile device becomes a habit, children may expect and demand greater access to video games and online media in exchange for good behavior. Over time, this will affect the child’s levels of discipline and self-control. If your child is already displaying over-attachment to these devices (e.g. purposely throwing tantrums in the hopes of getting the iPad), it is best to wean them off while they are still young. Engage them in other activities like reading and exercise, and be firm when refusing them access to the devices.

2. Leads to health problems

Prolonged periods of using mobile devices may affect the child’s eyesight, causing headaches and blurred vision. It is important to set time limits and encourage the child to take frequent rest breaks.

3. Affects social interaction, studies and mental health ⁽¹⁾

Do observe if your children start displaying antisocial behavior (e.g. using the handphone instead of engaging others in conversation during family functions) that is characteristic of those who are over reliant on mobile devices. Excessive use can also lead to shorter attention spans. It is best to nip the problem in the bud and correct this behaviour from young.

Nonetheless, technology can be a great asset if usage is properly managed. There are plenty of educational and recreational benefits to be reaped, especially for older children.  Moderation and monitoring is key, especially when children are still young and impressionable. Think first before you hand them the iPad!

Tips for parents: 5-step eye massage for you and your children

Have two minutes? Take a little break to soothe your eyes with an eye massage. If you work on the computer for an extended period of time, or do other detailed work, you probably find that your eyes get tired before the day is done. Self-massage relieves tired eyes by increasing circulation to the eye area

Keeping your eyes closed, use your middle finger to massage the eye-socket bones and down to the bridge of the nose. Repeat 8-10 times.

Press on the pressure points just under the brow bone below the inner eyebrows and count to 3. Then press at temples and do the same.

Using your thumbs, gently press on the area right above the inner corner of the eyes where the crease of your lid begins. Press slowly and release. Repeat this exercise 5 times.

Using your middle fingers, massage the hollow area which is located in the temples on the side of your face, using an up and down motion. Continue to massage the area for 1 minute.

Using the tips of your index fingers, gently massage the area located in the back of the skull, directly behind the eyes. Take care not to press too hard since this is a tender spot. Continue to massage the area for 1 minute.

Taken from: http://visianinfo.com/the-5-step-eye-massage/