MARTIAL ARTS FOR BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS!

Screen Time is Impacting Kids

Screen time numbs the mind

Screen time has had a huge impact in the way kids play and socialize. In the 42 years that I have had the school I have seen a drastic change in kid’s attention, coordination, and attitudes.  There are lots of studies out talking about why this is the case.  Some studies say its preservatives & chemicals in our foods, over medicating, inoculations, environmental exposures and even genetics.  There are more and more studies coming out talking about how screens are impacting kid’s attention and more.  

I’m a firm believer that screens are impacting kids negatively.  A recent study by JAMA Pediatrics involving 7,000 kids has been looking at the effects of screen time.  

What is “Screen Time”?  When I was a kid the only screen was the TV screen.  Now “screens” also includes tablets, handheld games, gaming consoles, cell phones and computers. Whether it is a tv show, Minecraft, TikTok or Mario Brothers it all involves no physical activity.  Games are also so much faster paced than reality is.  It makes everything else “boring”!

“Screens overly stimulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, important for mental health” says Roger McFillin.  This can disrupt their normal functions and lead to ADHD, development delays and even depression.   

Screen time in older kids also impacts aggression and good decision making. Video games are also not known for displaying model behavior!  

Screen Time Affects:

  1. Screen time impacts language development in younger kids
  2. Over stimulates flight or fight = aggressive behavior
  3. Lack of physical activity
  4. Stunts emotional growth
  5. Stunts social interaction and behaviors
  6. Develops isolation and depression
  7. Develops false expectations of reality
  8. Lack of coordination

Too much time on the screen creates children who are less able to socialize and communicate with others, and less likely to participate in activities without being disappointed.  Video games create a false timeline.  Things happen so fast and so often that reality just can’t keep up. So the result is a dissatisfaction in normal activities.  Now kids can’t focus in school or even at karate because it’s not moving as fast as their video games.  This isn’t healthy.  

Medicating our children often just masks the problem, it’s not dealing with cause.  Discuss your concerns with your doctors and make sure you know the benefits and risks.  There are situations in which it can help, but not always.  Sometimes just working with your child to limit screen time and maximize other activities will help a lot.  Nothing can replace your love and attention!

What can you do?

  1. Don’t use the TV/video games as a baby sitter
  2. Limit screen time to weekends or only 30 minutes a day
  3. Be actively involved in what your child does – watch them do karate & talk about it
  4. GET THEM INVOLVED WITH SOMETHING PHYSICAL LIKE KARATE
  5. Don’t let them be a quitter

Physical activities like Karate can have a big influence on children.  It helps improve their fitness and coordination.  It’s fun and exciting but it’s also about training hard, setting goals and achieving them, working hard and repetitively to build skills.  It’s also social!

Let’s look at the list of affects of screen time and what karate does to help

Screen Time VS Karate

  1. Screen time impacts language development in younger kids – We encourage communication and respect.  They have opportunities to teach as well as learn
  2. Over stimulates flight or fight = aggressive behavior – Karate allows kids to be physical with outlets in punching & kicking bags. We also set boundaries on when fighting is appropriate
  3. Lack of physical activity – Karate is full of activity
  4. Stunts emotional growth – We teach good sportsmanship and how to work with partners
  5. Stunts social interaction and behaviors – They are given plenty of opportunities to work with fellow students and teachers
  6. Develops isolation and depression – Our karate dojo is a family where we all work together for the better of each other
  7. Develops false expectations of reality – Mortal combat is all about “fighting techniques” but it’s not reality.  They get an opportunity to see how things work in a safe atmosphere
  8. Lack of coordination – We employ lots of drills and techniques to help build coordination

Our children are our future & they need our attention and support.  They need to have boundaries and opportunities.  If you aren’t already a student – try a class today.  Consider joining as a parent and make it a family experience. 

Kids feel good when they accomplish a goal

SHARE THIS POST

About our Martial Arts programs

Preschool Martial Arts
in North Phoenix

Discover why parents love our Preschool Martial Arts program in North Phoenix. It's the perfect blend of gross motor skills, personal development, and character enrichment, and gives your little one an edge when they enter a busy school setting.


- DISCOVER -

Kids Martial Arts
in North Phoenix

Parents LOVE our North Phoenix Kids Martial Arts program because it teaches not only self defense, but also vital life skills like focus, discipline, respect, and more! Watch your child's confidence flourish and their grades improve with this awesome Child Greatness program.

- DISCOVER -

Teen Martial Arts
in North Phoenix

Combining confidence-raising fitness and life-changing self defense, our North Phoenix Teen Martial Arts program keeps your teen's wellness and happiness in mind. It's time to get your teenager active, making new friends and bettering themselves.

- DISCOVER -

Adult Martial Arts
in North Phoenix

Our North Phoenix Adult Martial Arts program combines next-level fitness with next-level FUN- no more boring workouts! It's time to switch up your routine and get the results you've been looking for in an awesome community of like-minded people.

- DISCOVER -

Teen & Adult Kali
in North Phoenix

Our North Phoenix Teen & Adult Kali classes are even better than what you see in movies! Our instructors will teach you advanced weapon skills, combining combat with tradition in a fun, focused environment.

- DISCOVER -

Women's Self-Defense
in North Phoenix

North Phoenix Women's Self-Defense training with our studio will help you get fit and learn how to protect yourself, even from opponents who are bigger and stronger than you. Grab a friend for this fun, informative training!

- DISCOVER -

Summer Camp
in North Phoenix

Discover why parents in North Phoenix love our Kids Martial Arts Summer Camps. Give your child an experience they won't forget. Martial arts changes lives.

- DISCOVER -

After School Program
in North Phoenix

Find out why parents in North Phoenix LOVE our After School Program. Imagine every day after school, while you work, your child is safe... and learning amazing skills for life.

- DISCOVER -
Skip to content