6.1 Test your learning
Now you will have the opportunity to test your knowledge about the effects of digital technologies on children.
Activity 4
Look at the following statements and work out if they are true or false. You will receive instant feedback explaining why each statement is True or False.
Screen time is ‘toxic’ to health.
a.
False
b.
True
The correct answer is a.
Answer
False. Although often mentioned in the media, there is no evidence to support this claim.
Screen time may alter children’s eating habits and lead to increased calorie intake.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is a.
Answer
True. Screen time can distract children and lead to them eating more. Also, food advertising can lead to a higher intake of unhealthy foods.
Screen time can lead to a lack of socialising, lack of exercise and lack of sleep.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is b.
Answer
False. Screen time can lead to displacement of lack of time for doing other activities such as exercise and sleep. It is not directly related to these activities.
Screen time may expose children to harmful content, such as cyberbullying, watching violence or pornography.
a.
False
b.
True
The correct answer is b.
Answer
True. Parents should check often on what their children are interacting with and use certification systems of content that indicate whether content is suitable for the age of their children.
Screen time can displace other positive activities such as socialising, good sleep, exercise.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is a.
Answer
True. Increased screen time can limit the time left to do other beneficial activities such as exercise. Parents should monitor the time spent on different activities and aim to maintain a balance.
Two hours a day should be the maximum time children spent in front of a screen.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is b.
Answer
False. There is no ‘safe’ level of screen time. At the moment there is no evidence to say that below a level there are no negative consequences. Time should be considered alongside other activities and whether these are displaced by screen time such as exercising, sleep, family time. Families should negotiate screen time limits based on their children’s needs such as how they are using screen, what they are watching or doing and whether they displace physical and social activities.
The impact of screen time on the overall health of children is small.
a.
False
b.
True
The correct answer is b.
Answer
True. Other factors such as sleep, physical activity, eating, bullying and poverty are shown to strongly relate to children’s overall health and well-being.
Screens must be avoided before bedtime.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is a.
Answer
True. This gives time to the brain to wind down for sleep without stimulation from the lights of the screen and the content being watched.
Adults need to monitor what children are eating during screen time.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is a.
Answer
True. If there is no monitoring, eating during screen time can result in unhealthy eating habits and obesity. This is particular important for children at risk of obesity.
Children will imitate how and when parents are using their phones.
a.
False
b.
True
The correct answer is b.
Answer
True. Parents should have this in mind when for example, during a conversation they check on their phones or social media accounts.
Children of any age should interact with screens.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is b.
Answer
False. Children younger than 18 months old should have limited or no interactions with screens. This is because children can learn more from interacting with people and physical items.