Are screens taking over your child’s life? Learn the effects of excessive screen time on children and provide evidence-based insights. From diminished social skills to decreased physical activity, understand the risks and implications.
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Screen Time and Child Development: How Screens Affect Children’s and Teens’ Development
When it comes to screen time and child development, various researches have shown that excessive screen use can have physical impacts on children and teens, such as increased sedentary behavior and decreased physical activity levels. Screens can have cognitive and psychological impacts, with studies linking excessive screen time to poorer attention, language development, and emotional well-being. Let’s go through each of the main areas where excessive screen time affects children’s and teens’ lives:
Physical Impact
Excessive screen time can negatively impact your child’s and teens’ physical development. Researches from Department of Family Medicine, Jeju National University Hospital, in Jeju, Korea have shown that a sedentary lifestyle, often associated with excessive screen use, can lead to various health issues.
Visual Impairment
One of the most common physical problems is vision impairment. Prolonged screen exposure can strain the eyes and lead to long-term vision problems in children and teens.
Obesity
Professor Lauren Hale from Stony Brook University School of Medicine says that “This rise in obesity is linked to heavier screen use or media use.” Children who spend excessive hours in front of screens are more likely to engage in unhealthy eating habits and have a higher body mass index. She also recommends “Be sure to incorporate other daily activities, outdoor time, exercise or games or reading.”
Bad Posture
Along with that, prolonged screen use can contribute to posture issues such as rounded shoulders and a forward head position. This can cause musculoskeletal problems and affect your child’s overall physical well-being.
Cognitive and Psychological Impact
You should be aware of the potential cognitive and psychological impact of excessive screen time on your child’s development. Research has shown that children who spend too much time in front of screens may experience cognitive challenges, such as difficulties with problem-solving, attention, and memory.
Excessive screen time can also have a negative impact on emotional well-being, as it may lead to increased levels of anxiety and depression in children. Also, excessive screen time can hinder the development of social skills, as children may spend less time interacting with others face-to-face.
Prolonged screen time can contribute to shorter attention spans and behavioral issues, such as impulsivity and aggression.
Academic and Learning Impacts
To understand the academic and learning impacts of screen time on child development, it’s important for parents and educators to consider the potential effects on cognitive development and educational outcomes. Researches from the University of North Dakota has shown that excessive screen time can negatively impact a child’s attention span, information-processing abilities, memory retention, problem-solving skills, and language development.
Excessive screen time has been linked to shorter attention spans in children. With constant exposure to screens, children may struggle to concentrate on tasks that require sustained focus. This can ultimately hinder their ability to learn and perform well academically.
Not only that, excessive screen time can affect information processing. The constant stimulation from screens can overload a child’s brain, making it difficult for them to process and retain information effectively. This can lead to difficulties in understanding and applying new knowledge.
Memory retention is another area that can be negatively affected by screen overdose. Studies have shown that excessive screen time can impair a child’s ability to store and retrieve information from their memory. This can impact their ability to recall information learned in school and hinder their academic progress.
Problem-solving skills are also at risk when children spend excessive time in front of screens. Screen time often involves passive consumption of content, leaving little room for critical thinking and problem-solving activities. This can limit a child’s ability to develop important problem-solving skills that are essential for academic success.
Lastly, excessive screen time can hinder language development in children. Language development is crucial for academic success, as it forms the basis for reading, writing, and communication skills. Spending excessive time in front of screens can limit opportunities for children to engage in meaningful conversations, practice language skills, and develop vocabulary.
How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Can Help
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) can offer numerous physical benefits for children and teens, including improved coordination, strength, and flexibility.
A systematic review identified 12 articles discussing BJJ’s potential social and psychological properties. The research suggests that BJJ also has cognitive and psychological benefits, such as increased discipline, self-confidence, and emotional regulation. Engaging in BJJ may also provide academic and learning advantages by promoting focus, problem-solving skills, and goal-setting abilities.
Let’s go through some of the advantages of practicing BJJ for children and teens.
Physical Benefits for Children and Teens Practicing BJJ
By participating in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, children and teens can reap various physical benefits that contribute to their overall development. Through grappling and ground fighting techniques, they develop improved coordination, balance, and body awareness.
BJJ also promotes obesity prevention by providing a fun and engaging form of exercise that helps children and teens maintain a healthy weight. BJJ encourages sensory integration as children learn to navigate their bodies in close proximity to others. This improves their spatial awareness and enhances their ability to process sensory information.
Engaging in off-screen activities, such as BJJ, also has a positive impact on sleep patterns, helping children establish a regular sleep routine and promoting better quality sleep.
Cognitive and Psychological Benefits for Children and Teens Practicing BJJ
The main benefits that kids and teens can gain from practicing BJJ include a family environment, a healthy lifestyle, focus, discipline, great exercise, and the opportunity to make friends!
Research has shown that BJJ provides opportunities for social interaction, which can positively impact your emotional well-being. Engaging in regular BJJ training allows you to form connections with fellow practitioners, fostering a sense of belonging and support.
BJJ requires problem-solving skills, as you constantly strategize and adapt your techniques during sparring sessions. This enhances your ability to think critically and make quick decisions under pressure.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training helps improve attention span because you need to focus on your opponent’s movements and react accordingly. This increased focus can transfer to other areas of your life, enhancing productivity and concentration. Additionally, it can lead to significant improvements in memory development as you learn and remember various techniques, positions, and submissions.
Academic and Learning Advantages for Children and Teens Practicing BJJ
While educational apps, online resources, virtual classrooms, digital textbooks, and interactive learning have their advantages, excessive screen time can negatively impact your child’s academic development. It is known that spending too much time on screens can lead to decreased focus, attention problems, and reduced cognitive abilities.
By engaging in BJJ, your child can experience a range of academic and learning advantages. BJJ enhances problem-solving skills, promotes discipline, improves concentration, and fosters resilience. These skills are transferable to the classroom, allowing your child to excel academically.
Gracie Barra Utah: A Chance for Your Kids and Teens to Get Some Off-Screen Time
“The best thing I did for my daughters was to put them on Gracie Barra!” – Henrique Sebastiann Teixeira Sobrinho
“Enrolling my child was the best decision I’ve made.” – Craig Katayama
“My son LOVES going to class! He has built up so much self confidence since joining.” – Whitney Vargas
Above, we have some real Google reviews from parents. Your kids and teens will experience a positive transformation at Gracie Barra Utah schools!
Advantages for yous kids to join BJJ today!
One of the key advantages is the development of discipline. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training requires students to follow a set of rules and adhere to a structured routine. This helps instill discipline and self-control, which can carry over into other areas of their lives, such as academics, professional, and personal relationships.
Besides discipline, training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra Utah schools can also boost children’s and teens’ self-confidence. As they progress in their training, they gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in their abilities. This newfound confidence can positively impact their self-esteem and overall well-being, thus strengthening their social relationships.
The BJJ training sessions at Gracie Barra Utahimprove strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance in children and teens. Regular exercise has been shown to have a positive effect on mental health, reducing stress and anxiety in individuals of all ages but especially in children and teens.
Give Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu a try by booking online a FREE trial class for your children or teens. Choose the school that is the closest to your place: Gracie Barra Salt Lake City or Gracie Barra West Jordan. We look forward to having your kids train with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Excessive Screen Time Impact a Child’s Cognitive Development?
Excessive screen time can negatively impact your child’s cognitive development. It may lead to shorter attention spans, delayed language development, impaired problem-solving skills, limited social interaction, and decreased memory retention.
Can Screen Overdose Lead to Behavioral Issues in Children and Teens?
Screen overdose can lead to behavioral issues in children and teens. It impairs social interaction, emotional regulation, academic performance, sleep, and attention span.
Are There Any Long-Term Effects of Screen Overdose on a Child’s Physical Health?
Excessive screen time can have long-term consequences for your physical well-being. A research from the University of North Dakota shows that health risks such as obesity, poor eyesight, and a sedentary lifestyle are associated with prolonged and excessive exposure to screens.
What Are Some Effective Strategies to Reduce Screen Time and Promote Healthier Child Development?
To promote healthier child development, encourage them to participate in engaging activities such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. By getting involved in a physical activity that requires attention and physical effort, children can develop discipline, enhance coordination, and foster social interactions away from screens.
Prof Seidler Rodrigo, a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and athlete, serves as the Head Professor at Gracie Barra Salt Lake City and Gracie Barra West Jordan, bringing a wealth of experience to the mats. Originally from Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, he transitioned from a career in pharmaceutical sciences to pursue his passion for BJJ. Prof Seidler Rodrigo is committed to inspiring life-changing transformations through the teachings of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra Salt Lake City and Gracie Barra West Jordan. As a family man, Seidler values quality time, engaging in activities such as hiking, Brazilian barbecue, movies, and biking.View Author posts
