How to talk to children about the new coronavirus and the allowable time in front of screens

Don't hide from the children

They know everything anyway

Schools remain closed, social life is restricted and everything is very different from what we are used to. But let's not forget how children are affected by all this, who from one day to the next are forced to watch their lessons on a screen and sit at home while the weather is right for walks and play. The children undoubtedly feel that these are difficult days. That is why we should learn to discuss such issues with them, talking about the new coronavirus and the time allowed in front of screens.

Screens and today's children

What are the effects of excessive screen exposure?

Experts' opinions on the relationship between child and screen are divided. On the one hand, we have teachers who encourage children's contact and familiarity with technology because it offers them additional skills and access to knowledge, while preparing them for a demanding future in modern society. On the other hand, we have health professionals who, without being against this contact, raise concerns about the long-term effects of children's excessive exposure to screens. They are, in other words, more moderate, stressing that the scientific community does not know much about this issue and highlighting the following potential risks of overexposing children to screens:

● Cyberbullying
● Addictive behaviours and depression
● Access to inappropriate material for minors
● Limited physical activity
● Reduced attention and concentration span

Moreover, when we talk about a child's contact with a screen, we are no longer referring only to TV or video games. The scientific community agrees that television is very different from other forms of screen exposure, which have a more social character. Children can now communicate with others, find what they are looking for and explore the world online. They can also choose what they want to watch or read. So, given that most research is about exposure time to television, we conclude that we know very little about other digital media.

What you can do as parents

How to deal with the dangers of overexposure to the screen?

Your children are constantly watching you and are "professionals" at copying you. They mimic your behavior, your habits, your reactions and anything else you can imagine. So don't forget that you set the example for them to follow, even for the time they spend in front of a screen. By seeing your pattern of behavior and use of technology, they create similar habits.

The time you spend in front of a screen yourself is proportional or additional to the time your children are exposed to it, whether it's the TV, ipad, or mobile phone.

So try to set limits on how much and when you spend time in front of the screen. Sometimes it's best to put all devices aside and do something else. Remember that children are aware of the crisis we are going through and are affected by it themselves.

How to talk to children and teenagers

It is difficult to keep a teenager at home. Teenagers need to spend time with their friends and do activities that give them a release. So days like these can bring up feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability and anger. For younger children, it's a good opportunity to explain to them what's going on and why their lives are different. Ask them how they feel and what they miss most about school or their friends. Give them a chance to talk and express what they are feeling. You will see how you will get to know them better.

"How can I tell my children that people are dying and that we should stay home?"

Some discussions are and will be difficult. However, we must learn to do them with children. Look at it as an opportunity to tell them how important it is to stay home, wash your hands, and explain that sometimes people get very sick and go to the hospital.

What do children do when they are not well?

Recognising the signs

When your children are not feeling well, don't always expect them to come and tell you and share it with you. Notice changes in their behaviour and the way they communicate, such as irritability, isolation, excessive sleeping or argumentativeness and anger. If the change you notice is negatively affecting their interaction with other family members, then it is advisable to consult a health professional for evaluation and prevention of more serious symptoms.

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