At Podar Prep, we get the challenges modern parents face with managing screen time. It’s a big part of our lives, but we think it’s crucial to handle it wisely, especially for children who are just starting to explore the world with wide eyes. Dr. Swati Popat Vats, always says, “We can’t get rid of screens completely, but we can definitely keep them in check.” This is super important in the first six years of a child’s life when their right brain, that is the side that’s all about creativity and feelings, is growing fast. She points out that too much screen time can mess with this growth. It’s mostly because the interaction children get from screens is one-sided, lacking the meaningful, back and forth human connection they really need to thrive.
Why can too Much Screen Time Be Harmful?
Dr Swati Popat Vats shares that overindulging in screen time can stunt a child’s emotional and social growth. Young learners need interactive, responsive, and tangible learning experiences, which screens simply can’t provide. This is especially crucial in the early years, when the foundation for future learning and relationships is being built.
The Benefits of Prioritising Play
What’s the upside of encouraging more play and less screen time? For starters, it boosts physical activity, sparks imagination, and improves social skills through interaction with others.
Creating a Balanced Screen Time Strategy
At Podar Prep, we advocate for balanced approaches that are both realistic and engaging:
Embrace Routine: Establish and maintain specific screen time hours that work for your family’s schedule, perhaps during evening downtime or weekend mornings.
Content Matters: Be selective about the content your child interacts with. Ensure it’s educational, age-appropriate, and as interactive as possible.
Lead by Example: Children learn by example. By engaging in fun, screen-free activities yourself, you’ll inspire your child to follow suit.
Make It Fun: Plan engaging, hands-on activities like puzzles, park visits, or arts and crafts. These activities divert attention from screens and enrich your child’s experience and learning.
Podar Prep’s Unique Approach: Screen-Free Coding
One of our standout offerings at Podar Prep is our screen-free coding curriculum. This innovative approach allows children to learn computational thinking and problem-solving skills without the need for screens, promoting logical thinking and creativity in a fun, engaging way.
In Conclusion
A balance between the screen and active play is needed not just for cognitive development but also for overall well-being. Interactive activities, such as coding without screens, go into making Podar Prep’s teaching, thus providing a holistic and nurturing environment for many young learners.
Is your child ready for a balanced approach to learning and development? Enrol with Podar Prep, where growth gets nurtured in play, meaningful interaction, and innovative educational practices.
