By james art 
How much on screen is too much for a child? Do digital media affect your child’s health? The General Surgeon has issued a new advice, citing increasing concerns about the effects of using social media on the mental health of young people.
Dr Nusheen Ameenuddin is a pediatrician of the Mayo clinic and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Although there are many benefits to technology, it says that it can also affect children and teens in negative ways, including some changes in behavior.
Watch: Mayo Minute Clinic
Does your teenager always send? Or games? Or you just don’t know?
“We have always told parents to try to watch their children’s content online, to try to limit it, to make sure that this does not affect their dream or their school work or their mood,” says Dr. Amenudin S
And she says it’s a huge job. Children can get online literally from the palms of their hands.
“For parents, I would recommend registering with their child and trying to understand what the children are doing when they are online,” she says. “Do they spend time playing games with friends? Or are they looking for things? Do they use it for school work? “
Excessive use of social media can be related to how it affects your child, she says.
“Everything that affects your child’s dream, everything that affects their mood, anything that affects their academic performance would be considered excessive use,” says Dr. Amenuddin.
She says that parents and adult educators know their children best and are probably in the best position to know what is or is not excessive. If you are concerned, she says you talk to your child’s pediatrician or health care team for advice.
Time Tips on screen
Screen time can refer to the time spent on smartphones, tablets, TVs or games for games. This can mean text messages from friends, watching videos or movies, game games, homework and browsing the Internet.
Here are some ways to help you set up a health screen habits.
- Communicate: Talk openly with your children about the video games and content they engage online.
- Set the time on the screen: Determine periods without screens, such as eating and one hour before bedtime.
- Loading the bedroom: Encourage loading devices outside the bedroom for better sleep.
- Guide with an example: Demonstrate healthy screen habits, such as putting your phone on “don’t disturb” during family time and during dinner.