Children should avoid (避免) screen time for at least an hour before bedtime. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health says parents must make sure that children are not spending too much time on smartphones or watching TV, because these activities are bad for sleep.
The college has given guidance to parents to help them control their children's screen time. Parents agree that getting too much screen time has to do with a less healthy diet, a sedentary (久坐的) lifestyle and poorer health.
Dr. Max Davie, a health expert, said that children learn from examples instead of orders. "It will be very difficult to set strict rules of your children's screen time if you are always looking at the screen. Parents should take control of their own screen time first if they are going to take control of their children's, "he said.
Experts advised that parents should set screen time according to their children's ages and needs. They said parents could encourage their children to do more outdoor activities. When children spend too much time on the screen, there is a risk to the healthy development of children.
Dr. Max Davie said, "The guidance for parents is good as it goes, but remember not to distinguish (区分) between different kinds of screens. The advice of stopping looking at the screen one hour before bedtime is welcome. Turning off WiFi and keeping the children's smartphones out of the bedroom would also help parents. "
