Playground Equipment is Taking a Backseat to Screens and it Must Stop

Today, it's common to see toddlers with tablets and infants holding smartphones. In the best of circumstances, these devices are being used by parents and caregivers to offer "edutainment" to children. At their worst, they are being used to mitigate poor behaviors by entertaining their children. Regardless of the reason behind the screen, there is growing concern over the effects of screen time on young children. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against tech use for children under two, as it affects brain development and, according to recent studies, children's use of screens continues to rise dramatically. This shift is reshaping childhood as kids gravitate towards screens over traditional toys or playground equipment designed to encourage growth and development. 

The Negative Effects of Screens

Professionals acknowledge that there are benefits to incorporating screens in a moderated way and for educational purposes. However, overuse can have adverse effects on children’s development. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that on average, children are spending almost seven and a half hours staring at screens. Moreover, children are now learning how to use gadgets first, even before they can walk or even tie their shoelaces. Common Sense Media founder Jim Seyer explains that these digital devices are changing the entire childhood lifestyle, even replacing TVs, toys, playgrounds, and storybooks. “One-year-olds are now walking up to TV screens and swiping them because they think they are tablets,” he said. “They are becoming a part of childhood in ways that were almost inconceivable before.” Most parents who give in to their children’s whims don't realize the effects, but governments and experts are calling on families to reduce their toddler’s exposure to screens.

Photo by Wayan Vota via Flickr, Creative Commons

Nine Reasons to Get Your Child Out to Play on Outdoor Playground Equipment and Off of Their Devices

So much learning happens on outdoor playground equipment and the benefits are evident. Whether it is at school or the park, playground equipment allows children to exercise their imagination, engage in active play, and practice important skills. Here are ten reasons why screen time impedes children's development and why getting the family over to your local school or park playground is the better option:

1. Brain Development and Screen Time

Children's brains develop rapidly during their early years. Too much screen time has been linked to cognitive delays, attention deficits, and reduced self-regulation. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends less screen time and more interactive activities like reading or singing with children.

Photo by Ben McLeod via Flickr, Creative Commons

2. Reduced Interaction

Dr. Gary Small, author of iBrain: Surviving the Technological Alteration of the Modern Mind, asserts that if children spend too much time on technology and not enough time with people, it hinders interaction and disrupts normal communication skills development of children. Young children may fail to meet communication milestones and develop communication skills based on their media rather than in-person interaction.

3. Obesity and Lack of Physical Activity and the Obesity Epidemic

Kids who spend long hours with their screens miss out on physical exercise. This contributes to rising childhood obesity rates. Parents and caregivers should encourage a balance of screen time and outdoor play, which helps build strong bodies and in-person social skills. Children can get fit at the playgrounds and build relationships with others in a meaningful way.

4. Behavioral Changes, Aggression, and Violence

Studies indicate that prolonged exposure to video games and gadgets can lead to increased aggression and tantrums, particularly in young children who struggle to regulate their emotions. Limiting screen time and offering alternative activities, like physically active play at the school and park playground, can help mitigate this issue.

5. Health Risks and Radiation Exposure

Mobile devices emit low levels of radiation, which the World Health Organization has classified as a potential risk. While more research is needed, it’s wise for parents to limit children’s exposure by encouraging less device use.

Photo by Mike Renlund via Flickr, Creative Commons

6. Sleep Deprivation

Children who become addicted to their screens are more likely to suffer from inadequate sleep and experience trouble getting to sleep. Sleep deprivation can impact a child's mood, temperament, learning ability, and overall health. Establishing a screen-free bedtime routine is essential to ensure proper rest. Playing on fun, stimulating commercial playground equipment to work out some of their energy can be a great way to better prepare children for a good night's sleep.

7. No Exposure To Nature - Playground Swings, Seesaws, and Merry-Go-Rounds are Stepping Stones to A Love of Nature

Children are spending less time outdoors, which limits their connection to nature. There is so much world out there to explore and playing outdoors on playground swings, seesaws, and merry-go-rounds at the park can be part of that exploration. Playing in nature and on playground equipment allows children to take risks and learn in a way that is different than learning in a classroom or sitting at a computer. Encourage children to explore the outdoors, join playground activities, and socialize with peers.

8. Damaged Eyesight

Prolonged exposure to screens strains the eyes. This is true for both children and adults. Experts say that good eyesight largely depends upon staring at things of varying distances. Research shows that children who are addicted to playing computer games are more likely to develop eye problems as they grow.

9. Screen Addiction

If parents feed the whims of their children and use screens to placate them, they are allowing screen addiction to take hold. Instead of fostering screen addiction in children, parents should foster an appreciation of activities that promote mental, physical, and emotional development in children.

Photo by Philippe Put via Flickr, Creative Commons

Despite numerous studies revealing the negative effects of screens on young children, experts are still hopeful that screens can be used appropriately in classrooms and homes to foster an educational environment that unlocks the potential for growth and learning. University of Wisconsin assistant professor, Heather Kirkorian says that touch screens could hold educational potential for toddlers. Being an expert on child development, "Kids who are interacting with the screen get better much faster, make fewer mistakes and learn faster. But we're not turning them into geniuses, just helping them get a little more information,” she explains. As it is implemented, technology must be properly moderated and managed by parents, caregivers, and educators, to teach children about the proper and proportional use of technology in a variety of different settings.

Last Updated in September 11, 2024 by Kim Hart