Children and technology are in fact growing together. The over use of gadgets by children has raised serious concerns from parents. Educators and health professionals are also warning about it. The reality is that the over use of technology may lead to health issues among children. The excessive screen exposure in early childhood can lead to unhealthy consequences to a child’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Health experts warn that premature exposure to smartphones, tablets, or game consoles can prevent a child’s normal development in a number of ways.
Physical Inactivity is the Cause of Obesity
Kids who always sit in front of screens are likely to remain inactive in their lives and directly related to the world’s childhood obesity. Engaging in outdoor play or and exercise are important. With high calories in the body, the chances of obesity-related health conditions like diabetes and heart diseases are high.
Mental Health and behavioural Problems
Long periods of gadget use have also been linked to aggression, irritability, and even child depression. Studies show that violent or aggressive material is capable of altering the behavior of a child and making them more impulsive or angrier. Mental health professionals have also reported a sudden spike in anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among children who view too many screens.
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Sleep Deprivation and Blighted Eyesight
The blue light emitted by devices interferes with the natural body sleep pattern, leading to poor quality sleep and deprivation. In the meantime, excessive screen time overworks young eyes, making them susceptible to myopia (nearsightedness) at a young age.
Brain Development will be delayed
Over use of screen usage limits face-to-face interactions that are required to develop social skills like empathy, and problem-solving and communication. Children who spend a lot of time on screens are affected by issues of sensory processing and cognitive activities of everyday life. Brain development will be delayed by the over use of screen.
Lack of nature awareness among children
Less exposure to nature also creates problem. Children should be aware about climatic changes and the issues related to environment. The over use of gadgets keeps children away from nature friendly mindset.
A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, the University at Albany, and NYU Langone Medical Center found children’s screen time patterns. The study reveals that 87% of children have more screen time than is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The study also shows that children of parents who had only a high school diploma or first-time mothers were more likely to have greater screen exposure.
Interestingly, screen time increases during toddlerhood but falls below 1.5 hours per day at ages 7 and 8, presumably because school activities take up more of their day.
What parents can do to prevent screen time for their children?
So how parents can help their children? Children need improved habits. For that experts advise parents to engage in actively monitoring and limiting screen time for kids. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for those younger than 2, only an hour a day for ages 2 to 12, and up to two hours for teenagers and adults.
Increase outside time like going to parks, play ground, create phone-free zones and stating boundaries strongly can have a major impact on your children. Develop the habit of proper family communication.
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