CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, kids are spending more time on electronic devices than ever before.
In fact, researchers say kids are spending 50% more time in front of screens. It's a combination between virtual learning and kids needing something to do while being stuck at home.
Sites like YouTube and gaming platforms saw the biggest spikes in usage. Experts say if these trends don't change soon, kids won't see a difference between their online and offline worlds.
That amount of time may be scary to parents, but the good news is it doesn't have to be permanent.
As lockdowns slowly lift, experts say now is the time to make some changes so your kids don't get addicted to their screens.
Don't just take the screen way, behavioral experts warn. You have to replace it with something else. They suggest finding a new activity like going to the zoo or the park.
Something like that can be good for the whole family, not just the children.
Contact Ben Thompson at bthompson@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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