Balancing screen time & play time

In the past few years, especially since the Covid-19 lockdown, devices have become an integral part of children’s lives.

- Riddhima Kapoor Sahni

Whether it's gaming, research, or education, much of what

children do is now on phones, tablets, and laptops. My daughter, too, does most of her research for school on the Internet. Gone are the days of pen and paper as their use has drastically reduced. However, it's essential to balance screen time and activities away from the screen. I ensure that Samara has time for other interests besides being glued to her device.

In my previous columns, I have often emphasised that children mimic their parents. If they constantly see us on our phones or computers, they will do the same. Usually, when we need to finish our work, we hand them a device to keep them occupied. Or even during meals to get the child to eat without a fuss. This habit can create challenges and it’s something parents need to address mindfully. Ultimately, it's about being a role model — setting boundaries like no phones during meals and spending quality time together.