Most pediatricians would agree that kids under 12 should not use mobile devices. While modern technology continues to progress, parents tend to have lesser time to spend with their kids. As a result, they make up for their shortcomings by allowing their kids to use electric devices all the time.
Don’t forget that despite the positive effects of mobile use, they still pose threats. In the end, it’s all about finding balance. The best solution would be using “screen time” as a reward for doing good deeds.
Devices Affect Their Brains
When kids use iPhones and other mobiles, they spend most of their time watching and playing. This habit results in them not using their brain. And when they spend most of their time playing mobile games, they don’t get enough exercise.
Exercise plays a crucial role in brain development. It doesn’t only keep kids’ strong and healthy; it also stimulates their brains. Physical activities transform the mind and the body, which is vital in their growth.
Poor Skills Development
Toddlers can’t have more than two hours of screen time a day. At this stage, they need to play more with toys. Toys improve their thinking, decision-making skills, judgment, and physical abilities.
The first five years of your child’s life are critical. It’s when they’ll learn to walk, hold things, speak, and communicate. So if they spend most of the time playing with phones, they will not be able to develop these skills on time.
If your child often drops your phone unintentionally, that shows that they’re not ready to use mobile devices for too long. Replace the phone with toys instead. Besides, going for iPhone screen repair services is necessary for a device’s lifespan, so ensure that your child uses a device only when needed.
Too Much Exposure to Radiation
The most common problem with using mobile phones is the hazardous effects of radiation. And according to doctors, radiation has a significant connection with cancer. Make sure that your kids don’t spend too much time using their devices. You can set an example by restricting mobile use during mealtime or when it’s movie night.
Kids Don’t Get Enough Sleep
Mobile use deprives kids of getting enough sleep, and it doesn’t just happen to them, even with adults. If you allow your children to use devices in their rooms unsupervised, they are likely to stay up all night playing and watching.
Moreover, kids that use mobile devices before and during bedtime tend to have difficulty sleeping well. They either find it hard to sleep right away, or they never get to sleep at all. To avoid this, restrict mobile devices inside their bedrooms. That way, you’ll know for sure that they sleep well.
They Don’t Finish Their Homework
Phones and iPad distract your child from doing their important tasks. They get caught up in the thought that they can do their homework at night after using their mobile phones. But the truth is, they don’t understand the gravity of their actions. When it’s time to do their homework, they are already too tired from watching videos and playing games. Thus, they don’t get to finish their homework before bedtime.
Risk of Mental Illness
As a parent, making sure that your child is safe and far from danger is one of your priorities. But what if that danger is silently hiding in your house disguised as a harmless pastime? Some studies suggest that excessive use of mobile devices may be a culprit in the increasing number of mental illnesses in children. If your child shows signs of aggression, it usually indicates that there is a severe problem.
Poor Posture and Physical Health
Too much use of mobile devices results in fewer physical activities and exercises. Children use their phones for so many hours lying in bed or sitting on the couch. Beware of this as it affects their physical development.
Related to this, the snacks most children eat while using phones aren’t particularly healthy too. Wrong food choices combined with few physical activities may lead to obesity. Encourage your child to exercise more.
Friendly tip: It would help if the whole family participates in the activity. Schedule a run in the park at least twice a week or take them on a beach getaway sometimes. If you have extra time, take them on a minor hike or go camping. Doing this is a great opportunity for family bonding time.
We want children to grow up with knowledge about technology and the modern world. But of course, introducing the internet to them must be done with utmost care. Mobile devices allow them to stay connected with friends, grandparents, and people they love. It’s all about how parents teach their children about limits and restrictions.
Meta title: The Impact of Mobile Device Use on a Child’s Development
meta desc: Doctors advise that parents restrict their children’s mobile device use. Learn why limiting your child’s screen time is vital for their skills to develop.
