Persuasive Essay On Screen Time

It’s 4 p.m. on a Monday. A child sits on the couch playing games on their phone and checking social media. There is much speculation about whether or not what the child is doing is more good or bad for them. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is an organization that is committed to the health of children and young adults. They believe that screen time should be limited to two hours a day for adolescents but some argue that the recommended time should be raised to four hours. There is, in fact, more support for raising the suggested limit because technology can increase many brain functions, boost mental health, and optimize social skills. Indeed it’s no secret that most online games are full of puzzles and mind-boggling fields that require

Of these that is most vital, is social skills. Believe it or not, social standing can make or break someone in today’s society. Everyone not only wants, but needs to fit in. Since the beginning of time, humans have relied on each other to help them get through the hardships of life. They survive and thrive best in groups.This is true still today. Science proves that video games, especially multiplayer ones, and social media can help children and teens learn many valuable social skills. They teach adolescents to discern between friend or enemy, bring forth social cues which teens may not pay attention to otherwise, and build communication and teamwork(Gray)(Giedd). The ability teenage and human brains in general have to make non verbal connections and assess their social surroundings is extremely important. Video games build on them by causing the synapses to grow stronger and by allowing teens to practice the skills daily in gameplay. If these skills are all used frequently in the real world, then it is of utmost importance for teens to practice them now so they will eventually be prepared. By raising the allotted screen time amount, the AAP is giving adolescents more time and opportunities to develop the social parts of their