Why is it necessary to limit the time that a child spends with gadgets

Before considering the proposed restrictions on the experts, it is necessary to understand how mobile devices can harm children.

What harm can cause kids use gadgets

1. sleep disturbances

Researchers from the University of London Birbekskogo observed 715 children aged 6 months to 3 years and have found that kids playing with smartphones and tablets, sleep less, than babies who do not make this. Scientists have estimated that every hour of screen time in front of the device - it is minus 15.6 minutes of sleep.

According to Tim Smith, one of the researchers, at first glance, it is quite a bit, but for the proper development of young children is important every minute of sleep. As the results of the studyDaily touchscreen use in infants and toddlers is associated with reduced sleep and delayed sleep onset. , Reduction in the duration of sleep in the first two years of life can have long-term consequences for development. Sleep disorders and sleep modes associated with further problems with mental and physical health, cognitive development and academic performance.

Especially harmful to use gadgets to sleep at night. Screens emit so-called blue light, which, according to scientists, the impact on circadian rhythms and inhibits the production of the sleep hormone - melatonin. This applies to both children and adults.

2. Overexcitement and the impact on the psyche

It is noticed that in each successive generation more and more hyperactive children. Bright and quickly replaced the image on the screen contribute to even greater overstimulation of the nervous system, which is pretty bad at the moment when it is actively being formed.

Parents can often give the child Soup to calm him down, not knowing that it they only develop his impulsiveness.

Also, scientists have linked the availability of technology to the growth of aggression and mental disorders among children. Adults who have a violation of the National Assembly, confirm that one of the recommendations of doctors - to limit the time before the screen, whether it's TV or mobile device. What can we say about kids.

3. physical health problems

For children is very important physical activity - this is the norm, when a child moves a lot. Gadgets is only useful for fine motor skills: kids, actively using mobile devices, better developed in this regard than those who do not play with the device. But otherwise use gadgets stimulates low physical activity, postural and overweight problems.

Also, do not discount the influence of bright twinkling displays vision.

And another danger - radiation: mobile devices are considered by WHO as possible carcinogens. The growing organism is more susceptible to the negative effects of radiation.

4. Lack of communication skills

When the parent of a child bribes gadget kid loses the ability to learn. To obtain important communication skills, Children need visual and tactile contact with parents. The child must learn to question, to recognize emotions and, finally, just to spend time with Mom and Dad for useful games.

StudyFive days at outdoor education camp without screens improves preteen skills with nonverbal emotion cues. , Which was attended by a group of sixth graders showed that those who throughout the experiment did not use electronics, better recognize emotions.

If the time at which a child must interact with people, goes to the gadget, in the future it impact on family relationships, communication with other children, respect for oneself and emotional intelligence.

5. Delayed development of the child

Toddlers explore the world in many respects to the touch: they need to feel the shape and surface. If flowers and learning new words tablet cope with a bang, then the three-dimensional objects on it the child could not touch it.

By the time they start school at one of the three children lagging behind in development, which affects the literacy and academic achievement. And this is linked to the attachment to gadgets from the cradle.

Also, doctors are concerned that the increase in time spent with electronic devices, reduces children's ability to concentrate, learn and remember: is the so-called digital dementia.

At what age and how much a child can use mobile devices

American Pediatric Association had previously recommended not to give smart phones and tablets to children under two years. Now, however, the recommendation slightly mitigated: children between the ages of one and a half years can play with gadgets, but only if the age-appropriate content and quality under the supervision of parents.

For children aged 2 to 5 years are advised to limit the use of devices to one hour per day. And children from 6 to 12 years, according to pediatriciansTen reasons why handheld devices should be banned for children under the age of 12. Worth devoting technology no more than two hours a day.

Also, there are a few guidelines that will help to establish reasonable limits.

• Smartphones and the plates should not hinder physical activity, sleep and games.
• It is best to alternate between 15-20 minutes of interaction with gadgets and physical activity.
• Should not be given to children to play with mobile devices in just a few hours before bedtime.
• It is not necessary to give the child device when he arranges a tantrum, and gadgets to replace personal attention.

As the child can use a smartphone or tablet with the use of

As already mentioned, it is important not only time, but also what is involved in the baby playing with the gadget.

• Favor interactive entertainment: let there be more developing applications than entertainment videos.
• Do not let your child play with the quick change picture and too bright unnatural colors. Also reduces the brightness of the screen.
• Use your tablet with your child: shows how to perform the task, draw together, downloadable games, in which parental involvement is required.
• Do not leave the child alone for a long time with the devices. If an Internet connection, set limits, so that it can not download inappropriate content or not to go to those sites.
• Ensure that the device not be too close to the child's eyes. Optimal distance - 40 cm.

With all these dangers the mobile devices have many advantages for the child's development. In addition, electronic gadgets - these are the realities of our time, from which no escape. Therefore, the interaction of the child issues should be approached from the device without fanaticism. But do not forget that without reasonable restrictions gadgets can render parents and children a disservice.