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By: Allex Dominic
Active Screen Time
The term active screen time is defined as the use of technology that involves physical
or cognitive engagement. In short, active screen time is when kids are not only watching videos, but are also learning, discovering, or exercising their minds by doing something creative. Another kind of active screen time is communicating virtually with other people through video calls. During this time, kids are developing social skills and building relationships. Active screen time is tagged as a healthy way of utilizing technology.
Passive Screen Time
On the contrary, passive screen time is defined as the use of digital devices that do not
involve any thinking or exercising of the mind. An example of this is when children binge-watch a TV show or play a game in a repetitive manner. You can recognize passive screen time when the consumption shows no sign of interaction, progress, or learning. This is mainly for leisure and entertainment purposes only.
5 Ways to Achieve Active Screen Time
1. Content creation – This allows you and your child to create videos that promote
creativity like doing DIY crafts, etc.
2. Connecting with family and friends through video calls – Since other members
of the family are away, one means to easily communicate with them is through the use of
digital devices.
3. Fun and exciting educational games – There are various educational games
you can download through the app store which will require cognitive thinking like
solving puzzles and trivia games.
4. Physically active video games – This may be a dancing game like Just Dance
or having a Zumba lesson to stay healthy and fit.
5. Completing schoolwork on the computer – This includes researching, completing tests,
and reading informative and credible websites.
3 Ways Your Child is Exposed to Passive Screen Time
1. Absent-mindedly scrolling through social media – Applications such as TikTok
and Facebook are no-brainer apps that can be easily grasped by children, so make
sure to give them less exposure and screen time on these applications because studies
say it’s addictive.
2. Sedentary screen-based activities, i.e., YouTube and Television – Watching
videos on YouTube and television really are entertaining because it keeps children and
even adults inactive for a long time without them noticing it. You don’t need to feel guilty
for relaxing sometimes, but use it with moderation and discipline.
3. Application games that require no thinking – Some games just keep children
busy but are not educational at all. Try searching for games that make them excited to
learn and not just play.
Time vs. Kind
According to research, children below two years old are recommended to have little to no screen time with the exception of video chat. Children ages two to five years old should only be exposed to digital devices for less than an hour per day. However, it is most important to pay attention to the kind of screen time. Keep in mind that kids that are spending their time using digital devices such as tablets and computers are not always a bad thing; active screen time is the best example. Use technology with your child, and do your best to avoid excessive passive screen time.