Is Screen Time Affecting Your Child's Behaviour?

In today’s digital age, screen time is an inevitable part of life for children. From educational apps to entertainment, technology plays a large role in your child's daily routine. But how does this constant exposure affect their behaviour? As parents, it’s important to understand the relationship between screen time and your child's emotional and behavioural well-being. At Restored Health, we believe in the power of natural healing and holistic remedies to restore balance and promote family wellness. In this post, we will explore how screen time can affect your child’s behaviour and provide holistic health tips to mitigate its impact.

When we talk about holistic health care, it’s about taking a comprehensive approach to well-being—considering all aspects of health, from the body and mind to emotional and environmental factors. In this post, you’ll learn how screen time can alter your child’s behaviour and how you can use natural healing to help them thrive.

1. Increased Irritability and Mood Swings

One of the most noticeable impacts of excessive screen time on children is the increase in irritability and mood swings. Studies have shown that prolonged screen exposure can lead to heightened stress levels and emotional dysregulation.

The Problem: Excessive screen time can overstimulate your child’s nervous system, resulting in difficulty managing emotions. This can manifest as increased irritability, frustration, or anxiety, particularly after long periods of screen use.
The Holistic Approach: To combat this, focus on natural healing techniques that promote relaxation. Holistic remedies like essential oil roll Ons for children and adjusting your child's diet to minimise an over consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates, which we specialise in at Restored Health. Breathing exercises, and outdoor activities like nature walks can also help reduce stress and re-establish emotional balance.

2. Impaired Attention Span

Another major concern is how screen time can affect your child’s attention span. Constant exposure to fast-paced, high-stimulation content can train the brain to expect instant gratification, making it harder for your child to focus on less stimulating tasks.

The Problem: Kids who spend too much time on screens often show a reduced attention span when doing homework, reading, or engaging in conversations. This can lead to frustration, poor academic performance, and challenges in maintaining relationships.
The Holistic Approach: A holistic approach to improving attention is creating a balance between screen time and mindfulness practices. Activities like outdoor play, building things like Lego, arts and crafts promote concentration and help develop a more mindful, focused approach to tasks. Additionally, foods that support brain function—like omega-3-rich fish, leafy greens, and whole grains—can enhance cognitive health.

Looking for natural ways to support your child’s health and well-being? Book a Free Call today to discuss holistic remedies tailored to your family.

3. Sleep Disruptions and Fatigue

Screen time before bed can have a significant impact on your child’s sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens interferes with the body’s production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep.

The Problem: Using devices before bed can lead to difficulty falling asleep, restless sleep, or waking up feeling fatigued. This can affect their mood, energy levels, and even their academic performance during the day.
The Holistic Approach: Consider setting up a bedtime routine that encourages relaxation. A warm bath with essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus can be a calming pre-sleep ritual. Try limiting screen exposure at least two hours before bedtime. Additionally, natural remedies like a cup of warm milk with a sprinkle of turmeric, magnesium powder for relaxation or a calming chamomile tea can help soothe your child and promote better sleep.

4. Increased Risk of Behavioural Issues

Prolonged screen time has been linked to an increase in behavioural problems, including aggression, defiance, and hyperactivity. Constant exposure to violent or inappropriate content can desensitize children and make them more prone to acting out.

The Problem: Children who spend too much time on screens may struggle with impulse control, become more aggressive, and exhibit less empathy or patience with others. This can strain family dynamics and affect their social relationships.
The Holistic Approach: Holistic health practices, like positive reinforcement and setting boundaries around screen time, are essential. Encourage activities that promote cooperation and empathy, such as family games, collaborative art projects, or community volunteering. Healing through food also plays a role—nutrient-dense meals with plenty of vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats support brain health and emotional well-being, reducing the likelihood of impulsive behaviours.

5. Social and Emotional Development

Excessive screen time can negatively affect your child’s ability to engage in meaningful face-to-face interactions, which are crucial for social and emotional development.

The Problem: Kids who spend too much time in front of screens may miss out on important social cues, struggle with emotional regulation, and have difficulty building relationships with peers.
The Holistic Approach: To support healthy emotional development, create opportunities for your child to engage in real-life interactions. Playdates, family outings, and community activities can help develop social skills and emotional intelligence.
Additionally, practicing mindfulness and gratitude can foster deeper connections with others and encourage emotional growth.

Additional Tips for Managing Screen Time

Set Screen Time Limits: Use tools like timers or apps to limit the amount of screen time your child has each day. Aim for no more than one to two hours of screen time for entertainment purposes.
Create Screen-Free Zones: Designate areas of the home, such as the dining room or bedrooms, as screen-free zones to encourage face-to-face interaction and healthier habits.
Encourage Physical Activity: Balance sedentary screen time with physical activities like playing outside, riding bikes, or doing family workouts. Physical exercise supports holistic health and helps your child release pent-up energy.

Conclusion

It’s clear that screen time can significantly affect your child’s behaviour and well-being. At Restored Health, we advocate for a holistic lifestyle that embraces natural healing, holistic remedies, and food as medicine to support your child’s emotional, physical, and mental health. By managing screen time wisely and integrating holistic practices into your daily routine, you can help your child develop healthy habits and thrive in today’s digital world.

Want personalized advice on how to improve your child's health and behaviour with holistic remedies? Book a Free Call with us today to explore natural healing options for your family.