One of the most important family concerns of the twenty-first century is how often parents should use online games and films to amuse, educate, or just divert their young children. On Wednesday, the World Health Organization released strict new rules in this regard.
The World Health Organization states that during a child's first year of life, this response is typical and infrequent during the second year. Children between the ages of two and four shouldn't spend more than an hour a day in front of a screen, according to the World Health Organization.
Research indicates that children are using smartphones and other devices more frequently than adults. The World Health Organization has presented scientific evidence regarding the negative effects of technology on children's health. 95% of households with children under the age of eight have a smartphone, and 42% of those youngsters have access to a tablet, according to the nonprofit organization Common Sense Media.
Why Children Are Dependent on Electronic Devices
It's no wonder that kids and teenagers are dependent on devices like video game consoles and smartphones, finding it impossible to go even an hour without them. Playing with electronics is all that exists for certain kids; it's not just a part of their lives. Naturally, their parents are appreciative of it and don't appear to be aware of the risks associated with giving their young child an electronic device. You should keep an eye on how your child utilizes electronics if you are a parent of a child under 15 and you have electronics all over the place. Children become dependent on electronic devices for the following reasons:
- When they're little, you give them your phone willingly to keep them busy or quiet. This is the beginning of it.
- When kids see their friends with smartphones or video games, they become anxious to get smartphones or video games themselves.
- Nowadays playtime shifts from physical to digital. Kids enjoy playing online games and competing against each other in Candy Crush or Snap Streaks.
- Social media sites are addictive due to their design! Children may develop an obsession with what other people post online.
Negative Effects of Technological Devices on Kids
It is a well-established truth that children are more susceptible than adults to excessive use of electronic devices. Beyond what is immediately apparent, digital screens have a far bigger influence on your child's overall development. See some negative impacts of electronic devices on children below.
Impaired Mental Growth
Your baby's brain develops rapidly from birth. Studies have shown that excessive exposure to devices can lead to delayed cognitive development, impairments in attention, and even hearing problems. So, once your baby has learned to say his first words, you should be the only person reading to him, singing songs and nursery rhymes, and talking to him, not a fictional character on TV or a smartphone.
Increases Fixation, Causing Agitation
What starts as a way to calm your child down by giving them a device can quickly turn into an obsession. When parents remove these devices or refuse to give them to their children, this type of neglect can lead to anxiety and anger. If you don't want to have an excitable toddler, limit your exposure to electronic devices before they become too attached.
Postpones The Development of The Body
Instead of spending all of their time in front of the TV, toddlers should play with blocks and other toys or stroll with walkers! A child's lack of physical activity will undoubtedly cause delayed physical development and possibly even obesity, which is alarming considering how much time kids spend in front of screens.
Limits Social Connections
When a child develops an obsession with a device, it may hinder their ability to form relationships with peers and family their age. If you continue this way, your four-year-old may grow up to be a social outcast with no real pals outside of his virtual world.
Raises The Danger of Obesity
In the US, one-third of children are fat, and most parents consider childhood obesity to be one of their top health concerns. According to estimates from the American Academy of Pediatrics, children watch television, use the Internet, and play video games for more than seven hours a day on average. So it is clear that children are not actively participating in physical activity, but rather looking at a particular screen. Additionally, spending more time in front of the TV or computer can lead to careless snacking and eating. So when children sit around mindlessly snacking, the risk of childhood obesity increases. This endangers the overall health of the child.
Less Attention to Studies
Children become more dependent on electronics the more they utilize them. The amount of time that children spend playing electronic games or watching TV worries all mothers around the world. These addictions function similarly to a lot of other addictions and serve as the child's main source of motivation, which makes it challenging for them to focus during their early years. Growing up with more screen time can make kids less focused on their education and more easily distracted.
Feeling of Isolation
A child spends more time alone when they use screens more frequently, which decreases their overall social time. When a child is absorbed in an electronic device, they focus only on that device. Of course, he doesn't pay attention to external stimuli. If you agree to give your child a new electronic device, you are inadvertently raising a socially isolated child. This should be concerning because it may affect how he develops as a person.
Decreased Vision
One of the main causes of children's vision problems is electronic devices. Excessive use of the device can cause dry eyes and lead to various eye infections. It also affects vision. The production of melatonin, a hormone that is crucial for encouraging sleep, is inhibited by the blue light that screens emit. This can cause sleep problems in children. Pseudo-myopia might result from the eye muscles' inability to readily relax after excessive contraction. Unless necessary, parents are encouraged to keep their kids away from electronics and screens.
Causes Neck and Back Pain
Children lost in their electronic world don't pay much attention to their sitting position when using their devices. Children who use devices frequently can suffer from musculoskeletal issues, including back pain. Neck pain can result from bad posture. Young children who experience neck and back discomfort are particularly vulnerable because, if left untreated, the condition may negatively impact the child's entire life.
Effects of Radiation
It might shock you to learn that keeping wireless devices too near to your kids will expose them to more radiation. A child's body can absorb more radiation from wireless gadgets than an adult's. In addition to other health hazards, this radiation exposure can cause cancer.
Ways to Keep Kids Away From Gadgets
We know the negative effects of technology on children's health. But it is quite difficult to assist your child in kicking this addiction. However, this is important because these devices can be very harmful to your child. From vision problems to stress, these devices can threaten your child's life. Here are five strategies to prevent them from using your electronics.
Alter Their Daily Routine
Engage him in activities that don't require the use of devices. Alternate their daily schedule to keep them occupied. Try not to interfere with your child's free time when using a device if they are studying, playing, or engaged in other activities. You need to be aware of your child's usage patterns of electronic devices at all times.
Lead By Example
Your child looks up to you in every way, and parents serve as their role models from birth. He will attempt to imitate you and your actions, so you must proceed with extreme caution at all times. It is unrealistic to expect your youngster to learn otherwise if you are a gadget addict. Give a good example by not using electronics!
Take Part In Activities Outside
Encourage children to engage in outside activities such as playing, swimming, cycling, and running instead of letting them stay indoors and spend their time and energy on their phones. The secret is to get them involved in any outdoor activity or play with other children. They won't forget about it once they naturally become interested. Raising your children in a particular way is crucial if you want them to take pleasure in these pursuits.
Make Accessing It Hard
Make it difficult for your youngster to access the electronic devices in your home. Attempt to secure your TVs, laptops, cell phones, and other gadgets with passwords. Your child will understand there are limits to their usage of technology if you enforce tight rules about their use. Thus, make an effort to keep your kids away from electronics that can endanger them.
Tell Stories
Our grandparents used to read us bedtime stories when we were little. It was once a mantra for peaceful, profound slumber. It's been said that storytelling is "old school," and children of today don't want to listen. Instead, they would rather watch poems and music on a tab, which is detrimental to their development. Your youngster can become creative and productive by listening to stories, poetry, and rhymes.
In conclusion, there is a saying that prevention is preferable to cure. Once the gadget is disabled, it will no longer be hazardous. At this age, children are capable of so much more that they don't need a gadget to keep them busy. So why give your kids access to electronics for entertainment? Permit children to develop typically by giving them books, toys, building blocks, puzzles, cricket bats, etc.