Is Digital Media Dangerous for Children?
Technology is more prevalent in society than ever before. Because iPhones, iPads, and other electronic devices are becoming more accessible to everyone, more parents are using electronics as a means of entertaining and educating their children. Although there is a myriad of benefits acquired from using handheld gadgets, there is an equally large number of negative health effects that can result from prolonged exposure. Thus, according to recent research, it is highly recommended that children limit the usage of such devices. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently published a technical report examining the effect of digital media on children and adolescents. The report focuses specifically on “digital media,” which is more interactive and social (e.g. multiplayer games, blogs, and Facebook), instead of “traditional media,” which is more passive (e.g. TV shows, radio, and newspapers).
The AAP recommends that parents should refrain from exposing children under two years of age to any kind of digital media. At this age, infants and toddlers have what is known as a “video deficit” in which they are unable to learn from two-dimensional video representations. They lack the skills to translate the material they see on a flat surface into something they can understand in the three-dimensional world. Studies in the report showed that children who engaged in more personal interactions with their parents were better at learning social skills, language, and problem-solving tactics, especially if parents used the educational content as a building block for personal engagement in their child's learning, than children who spent most of their time watching educational videos alone.
The AAP recommends that parents should refrain from exposing children under two years of age to any kind of digital media. At this age, infants and toddlers have what is known as a “video deficit” in which they are unable to learn from two-dimensional video representations. They lack the skills to translate the material they see on a flat surface into something they can understand in the three-dimensional world. Studies in the report showed that children who engaged in more personal interactions with their parents were better at learning social skills, language, and problem-solving tactics, especially if parents used the educational content as a building block for personal engagement in their child's learning, than children who spent most of their time watching educational videos alone.
Children under two years of age should have minimal, if any, exposure to two-dimensional screens unless it is supplementary to parental interaction for their learning.
Furthermore, one of the dangers of extreme engagement in digital media is that some children choose to spend time playing games or watching videos on devices instead of exercising or playing sports. The report found that children with high levels of media use are more likely to exhibit obesity or be at risk for cardiovascular issues later in life. Boys are particularly at risk, and those who engaged in at least two hours of sedentary media such as television, video games, computers, or tablets each day were 1.7 times more susceptible to becoming overweight than boys who had fewer than two hours of sedentary media daily. It is recommended that parents enforce specific time periods for when their children are allowed to use electronic devices while also encouraging them to spend time outside.
In addition, the report found that children who were exposed to interactive media, particularly at night, did not sleep as long at night as those who did not use interactive media. Older children and teenagers are especially at risk for these disturbances due to increased access to mobile devices. In order to combat this issue, pediatricians should communicate with families about their household’s media usage to come up with a plan of action best.
The emergence of electronic devices is a double-edged sword when it comes to its effects on growing children. Because electronic devices are easier to access, the AAP recommends that parents should make the conscious effort to monitor exactly when their kids are engaged in digital media.
In addition, the report found that children who were exposed to interactive media, particularly at night, did not sleep as long at night as those who did not use interactive media. Older children and teenagers are especially at risk for these disturbances due to increased access to mobile devices. In order to combat this issue, pediatricians should communicate with families about their household’s media usage to come up with a plan of action best.
The emergence of electronic devices is a double-edged sword when it comes to its effects on growing children. Because electronic devices are easier to access, the AAP recommends that parents should make the conscious effort to monitor exactly when their kids are engaged in digital media.
Featured Image Source: "Children playing video games" by Gamesingear is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
RELATED ARTICLES
|
Vertical Divider
|
Vertical Divider
|
Vertical Divider
|
