‘Digital hygiene’: Digital hygiene in children refers to the practices and habits that promote responsible, safe, and healthy use of digital devices and online platforms. With the increasing presence of technology in children's lives, fostering good digital hygiene is essential for their well-being and development .
As per WHO as per age screening time guidelines are-
<2 years Zero screen time
2 to 5years -Viewing for specific purposes like educational games or teaching aid for a limited period (not longer than 30minutes per session, and not more than two sessions per day, under supervision- a shared media use)
What to be done –
Self-limits –better to plan own family screen time, designate time for tv/mobile.
Avoid screen during mealtime, sleep time &playtimes
Sleep –Avoid1 hr before going to bed, remove all device from child bedroom including TV, laptop, smartphones
Exercise–children >6 years should get at least 60 min of physical activity each day
Eye care–
Follow 20/20/20 rule (look away from the screen every 20 min, focus on an objects at least 20 feet away, for atleast 20 sec. Take frequent breaks from the screen (10 min every hour, always blink in between, use moisturizing eye drops or a room humidifier.
Screens should be slightly below eye level follow 1,2,10 rule –Mobile phone at 1 fee, desktop, laptop at 2 feet and TV screen at 10 feet .
Counselling of children about danger of privacy setting, predators, & sexting If children make mistake, be kind, empathetic and guide them properly
What not to be done – Screen time should not be always be alone time. As far as possible co view, and co-engage with kids when are using screens .Don’t use technology as an emotional pacifier
By promoting these practices and fostering a supportive and open environment for discussing digital experiences, parents and caregivers can help children develop good digital hygiene habits that will serve them well throughout their lives
Digital Hygiene # Awareness #Children
MKC (Milestone kids clinic -Be Miles kid )