Children spend a lot of time in front of screens, which take them into the world of games, cinema, social media, and e-books. Amid the global COVID-19 crisis, we can also add screens for remote study and education.
From entertainment to education, despite the efforts parents and children make to limit their kids’ use of technology and provide alternative activities, the time a child spends alone with technology is very long, while their free playtime and time spent with family and friends has diminished.
With prolonged screen time, children are exposed to natural disasters, wars, and programs that may negatively affect them, causing anxiety and stress. These disorders are increasing among children who may not be able to identify or express them. For example, feelings like sadness and joy can be understood and expressed, but it is more difficult to recognize disappointment, frustration, and anxiety in children, as these are confusing and perplexing emotions. Here, children need help to recognize and understand their emotions so they can overcome difficult times.
Meditation and yoga instructor Elda Zghmout recommends using guided imagery techniques for young children. This is a wonderful way to connect with children as they learn to listen to themselves and access their inner strength, which helps them deal with anxiety and stress, thanks to children’s rich imagination.
Zghmout also emphasizes the importance of guided meditation techniques and breathing exercises for children to help them overcome specific issues such as sleep difficulties, exam anxiety, stress from returning to school, and attention deficit disorder. This type of meditation can also help children stimulate creativity, increase focus, and reconnect with their emotions.
Psychology Today magazine previously reported that guided meditation significantly helps reduce chronic abdominal pain in children. This was based on a study published by the Journal of Pediatrics, in which 30 children suffering from such pain listened to recorded guided sessions on CDs for eight weeks. About 63.1% of the children experienced a noticeable reduction in pain. Interestingly, children fully complied with the instructions and were eager to complete the study.
Children’s meditations available on the Tawaazon app are reviewed by a psychologist to ensure their effectiveness and achievement of intended goals. They are categorized according to age groups and based on children’s mental and physical development.
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