Writing Expedition #84 || Monday : Screen Time Vs Green Time

Imaginarily, I picture two worlds, being side by side: One is filled with bright screens of endless virtual realities and fun; the other one is a vibrant shade of green forests, cool atmosphere and spring water. For today's children, these two worlds are always in competition for attention. As parents or guardians, we're faced with that one important question: how do we balance the attraction of screens with the sustaining power of nature? The answer simply lies in making a healthy balance between "The Screen Time and Green Time"

Screenshot of Netflix app on my phone

Screen time is defined as the amount of time someone spent viewing or interacting with digital screens including:

• Televisions
• Tablets
• Computers
• Video Gaming consoles
• SmartPhones etc.

Screen time revolves around various activities which includes watching videos, internet browsing, gaming, e-learning, messaging and texting and many more.

picture of nature

Green time, also what I refer to as nature time or outdoor time is the amount of time spent engaging with our natural environment, including:

• Nature walks/hikes
• Gardening
• Outdoor play
• Outdoor sport
• Water based activities (beaches, lakes)
• Outdoor Recreational activities

Green time or Outdoor time/nature time, revolves around activities that: support mental wellbeing, promote physical activities, foster connection with people and nature and encourage discovery/exploration.

Pixabay

Balance between screen time and green time is very important for the overall development, growth and wellbeing of kids.

Reasons for balance

1. Physical health: Unrestricted screen time contributes to inactive behaviour, obesity and other health related issues. Green time promotes activities therefore improving overall fitness of human.
2. Mental well-being: Screen time can lead to escalated stress, anxiety and reduced attention span. Green time will definitely help to enhance relaxation, improved mental health and mindfulness.
3. Cognitive development: Balancing screen time and green time will support optimal development of the brain, intensifying:

• Creativity and Problem solving
• Attention and focus
• Social skills

1. Academic performance: Balanced screen time and green time creates room for improvement in concentration, leading to good academic outcomes.
2. Sleep quality: Too much screen time, disorganise sleep patterns and green time regulates the body clock.
3. Prevention of addiction: Too much screen time can make one to be addicted to digital devices/screen which is not good. Green time therefore reduces the risk of been addicted to digital devices.
4. Environmental awareness: Green time fosters appreciation and responsibility for nature.

Consequences of Imbalance

There are several consequences of not balancing screen time with green time. Some of them include; increased health risks, social isolation, poor academic performance, mental health concerns and reduced cognitive skills and creativity.

How to achieve balance?

1. Set screen time limits
2. Schedule activities for green time
3. Monitor the usage of digital devices by kids
4. Encourage physical activities

Pixabay

Green time has numerous benefits for children's emotional physical and cognitive development and Growth. Some key advantages of green time in close the following:

• Reduce stress anxiety
• Improved physical activities and fitness
• Enhanced creativity and problem solving skills
• Better Academic performance
• Improved general well-being

The reason why green terms matters is because it helps children to develop necessary life skills, build determination and establish a long-term connection with a nature.

Achieving the balance between screen time and green time is very important and essential for the overall development, success and well-being of our children. By understanding the benefits of green time also known as nature time/outdoor time, parents and guardians can make informed decisions to promote healthy habbit and healthy living lifestyle. The ball is now in your court to choose the side of balancing screen time and green time or enjoy the consequences of excessive screen time.

Thanks for reading..

I invite @us-andrew, @yhudy and @fortwis09 to participate.

Cc,
@steemkidss