Psychologists’ Warning: Smart Devices Are Much Worse For Children Than You Think

December 5, 2018 11:29

Nowadays, as technology becomes increasingly available, more parents are starting to consider the dangers and benefits of gadgets for their children. Even in families of moderate income, children have their own smartphones primarily for gaming.

On the one hand, early exposure to digital technologies broadens their horizons, provides access to a large amount of new information, and facilitates communication. On the other hand, the digital world leads them away from reality and, like drugs, can become an addiction. There are even terms for this: ‘electronic cocaine,’ ‘digital heroin,’ etc.

It is particularly frightening when children get immersed in violent games.

The more time a child spends in front of the screen, the more negative the impact of gadgets. Studies have shown that children between the ages of 8 and 18 spend an average of 7.5 hours a day glued to gadgets.

And if preschoolers spend less than 1.5 hours outdoors, after the age of 7 children, they become reluctant to venture outside at all, preferring to stay at home in front of computers or smartphones.

What could this possibly lead to? Psychologists named the consequences such children may suffer:

lack of constant contact with parents in children under 5 years of age can lead to attention deficiency, cognitive delays, and impaired learning;
delays in the development of conversational skills;
limited movement and lack of play activity outside slow down physical development, as well brain functioning;
possible sleep disorders;
declined school performance;
increased aggression and cruelty;
a higher risk of developing psychological problems (child depression, anxiety, delinquent behavior);
signs of hysteria when gadgets are taken from them.

If you have noted at least one of the above, this is a reason to suspect your child’s possible addiction to gadgets and take action. You can’t stop technological progress, but providing your child with the most suitable way of interaction with the digital world is your responsibility as a parent. After all, nothing is more important than the lives and health of our children.

The material in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a certified specialist.