Left To Their Own Devices
Drum English|28 December 2017

Children are spending more time than ever glued to screens. What’s a parent to do?

Wendy Stelzmann
Left To Their Own Devices

IF YOU haven’t done it with your own child, you’ve probably seen another parent do it – in a restaurant, in a waiting room, maybe even in church. It’s the one thing you know you can count on to keep a little one quiet and occupied for a while – that magical screen.

Smartphones and tablets have become electronic babysitters at home too, keeping your child happily occupied – and out of trouble – as you get on with the million things you have to get done. It’s just so convenient.

And with the school holidays upon us, those babysitters are likely to work over­ time.

But research into the consequences of children’s digital habits doesn’t paint a pretty picture. Excessive screen time can stunt cognitive development in the early years, hinder social interaction and cause kids to become disengaged, researchers say. 

But if it keeps kids occupied – sometimes with educational games and apps – can it really be so bad?

“Many parents intuitively know it’s un­healthy for their children to spend hours on end in front of a screen,” says Dr Bren­ dan Belsham, a Johannesburg­ based child and adolescent psychiatrist. Even if they don’t fully understand why.

“It’s easy to slip into giving kids no boundaries with regard to screen time because when they’re on a screen they’re usually quiet, not making a mess and not demanding your attention,” says Nikki Bush, a parenting expert and co­author of Tech­Savvy Parenting.

“Screens have become a pacifier and a prop. And parents are also copping out because they don’t want to fight. They want to keep their kids happy all the time because they don’t want to deal with sulking and whining – but that doesn’t help anyone.”

THE CRUCIAL EARLY YEARS

Denne historien er fra 28 December 2017-utgaven av Drum English.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra 28 December 2017-utgaven av Drum English.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA DRUM ENGLISHSe alt
Homegrown Heroes
Drum English

Homegrown Heroes

Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
The Big Clean Up
Drum English

The Big Clean Up

Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I'm Back & Better!
Drum English

I'm Back & Better!

Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
Not An Easy Ride
Drum English

Not An Easy Ride

Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Drum English

Mam' Mary Bows Out

Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
‘They Lived For Each Other'
Drum English

‘They Lived For Each Other'

This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too

time-read
6 mins  |
9 July 2020
Stranger Than Fiction
Drum English

Stranger Than Fiction

For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I Was Raped By A Pastor
Drum English

I Was Raped By A Pastor

His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
My Fight With Life And Death
Drum English

My Fight With Life And Death

More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
I AM ENOUGH
Drum English

I AM ENOUGH

Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020