THE IMPACT OF SCREEN TIME ON COGNITIVE AND SOCIOEMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN CONTEMPORARY CHILDHOOD IN KENYA
Joy Igoki Njiru - A Doctor of Philosophy in Early Childhood Education student at the University of Nairobi, Kenya
Professor Paul Odundo - Department of education, Early Childhood Education, University of Nairobi, Kenya
ABSTRACT
A child's development may be greatly impacted by excessive screen time in many areas of their life. Parents, as well as educators must acknowledge the possible risks associated with screen usage and take proactive measures to regulate it. Encouraging digital literacy and striking a balance between technology alongside other activities might help kids succeed in the digital age while preserving their overall development. It's important to keep in mind that using screens to support a child's development rather than impede it requires moderation and careful supervision. The physiological mechanisms that underlie the detrimental impacts of screen time on health are unknown, as are the proportionate roles played by different media and screen content categories in producing certain health consequences. This article evaluates these impacts and also provides a guideline on how s light change in behaviour can help prevent the detriments impacts of these trends. The beneficial and detrimental impacts of screen usage on children's physical and mental development are covered in this review.