Phone: 252-636-1919
Here you will find educational articles on topics relating to your family’s health. Click here for our articles archive.
We live in a world where nearly every home is filled with technology; tablets, laptops, cell phones, and gaming systems, just to name a few. We use the internet to stay connected to our friends, loved ones, and the world around us. But what happens to our children as they start using these devices at such a young, impressionable age? CNN reports that 90% of children aged 2 and younger have some form of online use history.
With this increase in technology usage among young children, there is a decrease in sensory and motor development. Kids are now playing games on phones, tablets, and gaming devices rather than enjoying outdoor activities. Lifestyles have become far more sedentary, and brains are trying to process chaotic visual and sensory stimulation. This over-intensified stimulation results in increased stress levels that remain at a constant high level, even when there seems to be no stress physically placed on the child. Screen time before bed can also inhibit sleep, which is necessary for mental development and developing cognitive learning abilities.
Some tips for limiting technology use include:
Modeling by example is another great tool parents can use when dealing with technology overuse issues. By setting down your own phone while you eat dinner, or watching your children’s sporting events, etc,, you are setting an example that they will be more likely to follow themselves. As parents, your children look up to you and want to be like you; therefore, leading by example is always a good approach.
More than just monitoring the time spent with digital media and technology, parents should seek to monitor the content. Media violence is prevalent in a large majority of video games, and by the time children have reached age 7 or 8, many of them are playing these games. The violence present in many of these games desensitizes children to real violence. Children who play these games are generally more likely to develop behavioral and aggression problems.
Recent research also suggests that screens may cause “computer vision syndrome”. The effects of this syndrome may include eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes. Individuals who spend 2 or more hours per day staring at a screen are more at risk for developing computer vision syndrome, and children are even more susceptible. Children are very adaptable, and their eyesight will adjust to the pixels they are focusing on in front of them. Myopia, or severe nearsighted vision problems has become far more prevalent in the United States, with an estimated 10 million American adults affected.
The key takeaway to note from technology in the lives of your children is that all things are acceptable in moderation. Technology has revolutionized the way our world works and children are now growing up in a very different world than 10-20 years ago. Technology should not be downplayed for its benefits. However, keep an eye on the content and time spent on such devices when it comes to the well being of your child.
Sources:
www.cnn.com
www.aao.org
www.cbcnews.com
www.apa.org
