From social media and smartphones to tablets and TV Our children are bombarded by technology. While it is important for kids and teens to acquire a love of technology, since they’ll use computers throughout their lives, excessive technology can have negative physical and mental health consequences. The negative consequences for children’s health can range from an increased likelihood of being overweight to reduction in behavior and social skills. However, this does not mean that parents should stop using technology completely However, it’s crucial that parents are aware of the potential negative effects of technology on children , and come up with strategies to reduce their children’s exposure to screens.
How Technology Affects Children
Technology is everywhere. even though we are unable to or should not prohibit technology in entirety, we should establish limits for our children to limit certain of its negative impacts. Screen time is a major factor that can have a negative impact on your child’s health and physical well-being as well as their behaviour. Find out more about the physical and psychological effects of too much an excellent thing (read technology) and learn how it is you could do assist your child.
Childhood Obesity and Technology
Children are spending longer playing with their fingers or typing on screens that they’re likely to spend less time outdoors or with physical pursuits. Researchers have also discovered that kids and teens are likely to engage in food-related activities while watching television and playing games on video. In the end, we’re witnessing an increase in weight gain among adolescents and children.
Children are naturally attracted to watching different programs or playing video games as well as using apps-based technology It is crucial for parents to ensure kids are getting outdoors and engaging in enough physical exercise. Encourage your children to go outside and play. If time permits, you can join your children in outdoor activities. There are many games you can play, like hide-andseek or tag or take a mitt and ball to play catch or throw the frisbee in a park. Your children will appreciate the time they have spent with you. the outdoor activities and exercise can assist in burning off their energy and rest better.
Negative Effects of Technology on Children’s Social Development
Technology has changed our interactions with one another. As adults we’re more likely to text rather than. make calls. In the same way, we tend to do things differently online than in the flesh. The differences don’t only affect adults. When children spend a substantial period of time using social networks, it may result in lower self-esteem. Teens are exposed to curated content such as a digital highlight reel that can cause stress due to teenagers being compared to peers. The general use of technology can lead to behavioral and social problems for children since it limits what time children interact with other kids.
Be sure to keep an eye on your child’s use of social media and be aware of websites they’re using and the games they play online. Install parental control settings on smartphones, computers and tablets to block harmful websites and applications. Try to keep your gaming console, computer, or TV in the same space so that you can monitor your child’s usage of technology.
As well as monitoring your child’s screen time it’s crucial to ensure they are involved in social activities. Plan play dates with your children from the same group and encourage them to socialize with others. Another excellent way to cut down on your screen usage and to encourage social interaction and physical activity is to put your child in a sport league. This way, they’ll play organized games and practice which will let them not only exercise but also to be connected to other children similar to them.
Technology and Attention Span
There is no longer a time when you had to turn back an old VHS cassette tape to watch a film or tune in to the radio for hours to listen to our favorite tune. Today, thanks to today’s Internet and YouTube you can stream an episode or listen to a track quickly and even skip the commercials. In the end, children nowadays are wired for immediate gratification. They are looking for what they want, and they’re looking for it now.
Electronic devices, such as tablets and smartphones can make it difficult to concentrate, and it is easier for users to become distracted by continuous noises and notifications. According to an investigation in Canada the use of technology has increased (around the year 2000) our attention spans have dropped between 12 and 8 seconds.
It’s not easy to teach children patience, however, how do we fight the negative side effects of this constant-on society? One approach is to restrict the use of technology while children are engaged in other activities. Discourage smartphone use when doing homework, and encourage interaction and conversations at mealtime, and turn the TV off while kids are reading. Encourage your children to to unplug and disconnect. Be outside, engage with others, and participate in activities that don’t require screens like books, board games and puzzles.
Managing Screen Time: How Much is Too Much?
Are you aware of the amount of time your children spend each day with their gadgets? Based on the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), teenagers can spend up to nine hours a day in front of or using screens. In addition, youngsters aged 8-12 typically spend four to six hours each day using screens. Although some use of technology is necessary for schoolwork particularly for distance learning parents must reduce screen time, be aware of websites their children visit and ensure they are watching educational video of the highest quality.
Mayo Clinic recommends limit screen time to 1 hours per day in the case of children who are between the age of two and five. Although there aren’t any specific hours guidelines for each age group, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that parents of children between the ages of five and 18 set the same limits for technology use.
Work With Your Child to Manage Technology Use
While there are no strict guidelines, it’s essential to be aware of how much time on the screen you’re comfortable with and the activities you let your child to take part in. A lot are students at National University students are parents and when it comes to taking care of college classes, work and raising children certain technology usage beyond schoolwork is essential. If your children are receiving greater screen-time than usual due to being in school but you’re at work and taking charge of them, it’s okay, but you need to keep an eye on what they’re doing and make sure it’s not affecting their education, health or behaviour. Children will be in a world of screens and technology. If you can establish positive habits at an early age to mitigate the negative impact that technology can have on kids. Keep in mind that not every technology is harmful.