How much screen time is right for children aged below 10? Child psychologist explains

Mobile phone addiction is a problem that many parents are battling to handle these days. At a time when schools have just reopened, many are worried about how to guide their children toward books and outdoor activities rather than having them scroll on their phones all day. Many kids throw tantrums, too, and can't control their anger when their phone is taken away. In such a case, how to help them? What is a healthy screen time for children below 10 years old? Consultant Psychologist Dr Jaicy Philip explains. 

According to the doctor, children should be given minor punishments along with love and care while raising them. They should be trained to do small chores at home, like taking their tiffin box and water bottle out of their bags and placing them in the kitchen sink. They could be asked to put the dirty clothes in the laundry basket instead of just throwing them around. Parents should also understand that we have given them mobile phones to play. It is not wise to snatch the phones away suddenly; instead, parents could take them out to play outdoor games. 

Screen time: How much is not too much
Children below two years old should not be exposed to any kind of screen. Meanwhile, children between 3 and 6 years could be allowed not more than half an hour of screen time. Pediatric guidelines recommend only one hour of screen time to children between 6 and 10 years, the doctor says. 

Encourage your child to play in mud and dirt and indulge in physical activities. Besides, you could enrol them in art or crafts classes. Do not forget to appreciate your child with small gifts after they have successfully completed the tasks, she says.