Taiwan recently made it illegal for kids under 2 years of age to use electronic gadgets and children under the age of 18 years are legally prohibited form using online devices for extended periods of time.

According to Time, “Under the new law, excess screen time is now considered to be the equivalent of vices like smoking, drinking, using drugs, and chewing betel nuts.” It’s unclear how the government will keep tabs on the number of hours children are spending in front of a screen and it is also fuzzy how they define ‘too much screen time’. Reportedly, they classify excess screen time as something that may cause the child to fall ill, mentally of physically [Again, quite broad].

Although this law brings about privacy concerns, it also calls for a review of research in the field. Studies show there is a link between depression and excessive internet use, excessive Facebook use among adolescent girls and negative body images, too much screen time and high risk of behavioural problems amongst 10-11 year-olds.

Personally, I think screen time for children should be limited and monitored. We can all agree that online communication cannot entirely substitute the intimacy of face-to-face interactions. So, the internet [specifically, social media] can socially isolate kids at a tender age when they’re still growing into themselves.

What do you think? 

Give your two cents to the compelling discussion in the comments below: How much time online or in front of the TV is too much? Do you monitor your personal screen time? Do you limit your kids’ screen time?

Don’t forget to tag a friend to get their opinion in the basket.