Term 3, Week 5 – Mental Health
Mental Health
This week, we talked to the children about how screen time can negatively impact their mental health.
Screens offer connection and information, but over using – especially before bed – can disturb sleep, increase anxiety, disrupt attention and increase feelings of isolation.
A healthy amount of screen time for children is 1 – 1.5hrs a day – and always switch off at least 30 minutes before bed.
What did we discuss with the children?
1. It Can Make You Feel More Sad or Worried
Children who spend lots of hours on screens (like phones, tablets, or video games) are more likely to feel sad or
anxious. Scientists found that when children use screens for 4 or more hours a day, they feel these unhappy feelings
more often.
2. It Can Make It Harder to Sleep
Using screens, especially before bed, can really disturb your sleep. The bright light from screens confuses your brain and
makes it harder to fall asleep or get good rest. Poor sleep can make you grumpy or stressed the next day.
3. It Can Make Focusing More Difficult
When children spend too much time on screens, especially switching between apps or games, it can make it harder
to pay attention or think clearly. Some studies even show it can affect the brain areas that help with
decision-making.
The Good News – Screens aren’t all bad!
They can help you learn, talk to friends, or have fun—but it’s important to take breaks, play outside, talk to people you care about, and get enough sleep.
The children gave us some great answers to the below questions, please ask them and see what they can remember?
What can you do to monitor your amount of screen time?
What can you do to reduce your amount of screen time?
What can you do instead of being on a screen?
Advice for Parents and Carers
https://www.internetmatters.org/issues/screen-time/protect-your-child/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/a-parents-guide-to-screen-time
https://www.childnet.com/blog/screen-time-guidance-for-parents-and-carers/
