Technology Taking Over Toddlers

Everyone knows at least one toddler that is constantly stretched out in an uncomfortable-looking position, gazing into a sticky iPad with a chunky, bright-colored case. These so-called ‘iPad kids,’ have gained a lot of attention from the media and society as a whole. We have all seen the classic situation in which a mom gets annoyed with their tantrum-throwing child in public, so tosses them an iPad so they’d calm down. This repeated action of parents using smart technology to make their lives easier is actually hurting their children. Specifically in the two to five-year-old age group.

There are instances where the use of technology and smart devices is not bad for children. Some suggest that if used moderately, for a maximum of two hours a day, it could help develop coordination and quick reactions. Psychology Today reported, “smartphone use should stay in moderation, and never stand-in for human interaction or real-world face time.”

The use of technology is having a negative impact on children’s behavior, learning skills, social skills, and physical health. Ipads, smartphones, and TVs are highly engaging for users, so increased use makes it harder for children to focus on less engaging activities away from the screen. There are now more cases of ADHD in young students because they are not used to having to sit and read a book, instead, they want the iPad, which gives them instant access to an array of colors, sounds, and interactive images. Earlier we referred to seeing parents give their children an Ipad or other device to keep them well behaved. While the distraction of the iPad may help better the parents’ lives, it is interfering with critical early childhood development, especially in children ages 3 and below. Many children learn best by mimicking.  If a three-year-old is ignoring the world around them to stare at their screen they are not receiving that ‘something’ to mimic. Affecting their ability to start speaking, interacting with others, and learning new things. So although there are a couple of benefits, parents should not let their child’s virtual world take over their lives in the real world.

https://www.todaysparent.com/family/parenting/heres-why-screens-bring-out-the-worst-in-your-kid/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/behind-online-behavior/201604/what-screen-time-can-really-do-kids-brains

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jan/08/are-tablet-computers-bad-young-children

https://healthmatters.nyp.org/what-does-too-much-screen-time-do-to-childrens-brains/