Smart devices are a daily aspect of the digital age. While they can provide educational material, far too many children spend multiple hours a day in front of a screen. The effects of this situation not only result in short-term development setbacks, but they also create a long-lasting impact. If your pre-K child is glued to the television, smartphone, or tablet, here are three reasons it's vital you reduce their screen time.

3 Reasons to Limit Pre-K Children’s Screen Time

1. Social Skills

One valuable aspect of early childhood education is helping children develop healthy social skills. The interaction they experience during their developmental years teaches their brain necessary communication skills that will affect every area of their life through adulthood. Excess screen time has a negative impact on a child's ability to identify non-verbal emotional prompts. Avoid the issue by limiting electronic entertainment to under two hours per day.

2. Hyperactivity

Around 388,000 children between the ages of 2 and 5 are diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and high amounts of screen time may increase your child's risk. One study showed that adolescents with frequent smart-device usage have a 10% higher risk of developing ADHD symptoms. As such, it's important to not only reduce screen time but also encourage single-task activities that build focus levels, such as art or puzzles. 

3. Physical Health

Obesity affects nearly 14% of pre-K children, which increases their risk of diabetes and heart disease. One of the contributing factors to childhood obesity is sedentary behaviors, such as watching television. The issue has become so prevalent that the American Heart Association recently issued a statement advising parents to substantially reduce their child's daily screen time, remove digital devices from their bedrooms, and encourage physical activities outdoors.

Imagination Childcare Academy in Rochester, NY, takes a well-rounded approach to daycare and preschool. The learning center infuses their programs with an age-appropriate educational focus. From language to mathematics, the NYS-certified educators are passionate about nurturing young minds. Learn more about their pre-K curriculum online, or request a visit today by calling (585) 413-3948.