What we are doing to children and what will happen to future generations?
Now when I restore a little bit of my power I can continue
Digital Babysitter: Are Screens Raising Our Kids?
Recent research that has studied the effect of digital media on young children surveyed about 2,500 parents with children under eight years. It was revealed that more parents are using smartphones and tablets to calm or entertain their children. While 80% of parents believe that digital media does not ontribute to family conflicts, 60% are worried that a child's excessive reliance on it could lead to health problems.
Increasing reliance on screens
This research, titled Parenting in the Age of Digital Technology, successfully undermines two widely held prevailing notions: parents now swear by smartphones and tablets, which have displaced conventional parenting tools. Although many parents choose books, toys, or even television to entertain their children, about 40 percent say they have handed their child a tablet to pacify him or her. The second myth that digital age families try to deny puts tremendous effort in limiting screen time. Though many of them know of the dangers, few impose clearly established boundaries.
Most children will accumulate a full year of screen time by the time they turn approximately seven years old. Pediatricians urge that excessive exposure to screens can harm social, emotional, and cognitive development in children. While some argue that digital tools can enhance creativity, literacy, and problem-solving skills, experts caution that over-reliance on screens limits physical activity and real-world interaction.
Responsible Use of Technology
When it comes to calming their child down, pediatricians say that parents should avoid using a digital devices as their first choice and engage their child in other activities like reading, playing and spending time outdoors. Technology in in upbringing can be helpful, but the best approach is to set strict boundaries around screen time and to encourage real-life activities that will help ensure children grow into a happy and balanced life.
Parents can create an environment to foster meaningful interaction through when it comes to the way they integrate screens into their lives.
