Parents are increasingly concerned with the improper use of technologies by children. A few years ago I was worried that the children would watch television for a long time. Currently, the concern comes from the excessive use of tablets and smartphones. For example, on a boring summer afternoon, a child can spend more than five hours watching television and playing with the tablet and mobile phone. Children need to go outside, play, have fun and communicate with other children.

Even babies and children under the age of six use these electronics excessively. Headaches, cervical problems or sleep disorders are some of the negative effects of this misuse. We must be careful with the age at which we bought the first mobile phone to our children.

For the first time, a study has been published that analyzes how it affects children under three years of age and concludes that it has a negative influence on the way they sleep. According to the study conducted at the University of London, there is a very clear correlation between the use of interactive screens by children between six months and three years and a reduction in the time they spend sleeping.

Reasons why limit the use of smartphones for children

The  American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Pediatric Society revealed in a study 10 reasons why children under 12 should not use these devices without control. According to their study, babies from 0 to 2 years old should not have any contact with the technology. From 3 years to 5 years should only use it for 1 hour a day and from 6 to 18 years only 2 hours a day.

Among the negative reasons cited in this study, we will highlight 5 that may affect your daily life. It is not about forbidding them an activity that they love for no reason, but because it can cause real harm to children.

1.      It affects the brain development of children

The excessive use of the technologies according to the study, can accelerate the brain growth of babies 0 and 2 years of age. This could be associated with attention deficit, cognitive delays, learning problems, increased impulsivity and lack of self-control (tantrums).

2.      Delay in the development of the child

The excessive use of technologies can limit movement. As a consequence, it can affect academic performance, literacy and attention. This sedentary lifestyle can lead to an increase in childhood obesity and vascular or cardiac health problems and even diabetes.

3.      Alterations of the child’s sleep

Children who use these devices at night in their rooms often have more difficulty falling asleep. Parents do not usually supervise the use of technology in their rooms. That lack of sleep affects his academic performance.

4.      Mental illness

Some studies prove that the excessive use of new technologies is increasing the rates of childhood depression and anxiety, attachment disorders, attention deficit, bipolar disorder, psychosis and other problems of child behavior.

5.      Too much radiation

The WHO, World Health Organization, classifies cell phones as a risk due to the emission of radiation. Children are more sensitive to these agents and there is a risk of getting diseases such as cancer.

According to the study, children who use technology too much are more passive and have problems interacting or having physical contact with other people. Our children have to spend more time playing with other children or having a conversation as a family is important for them to socialize.

New technologies are part of the lives of children today and we cannot prohibit them either. But, there is a dire need to limit their use to a healthy extent and to minimize the number of hours that our children devote to the use of technology. For this, apps like FamilyTime prove to be highly effective. So, use the app and prevent the adverse effects of technology on children before it becomes too late. Remember that happy children are raised with smart parenting!