Children on Screens: Helpful or Harmful?

The short answer to this is truly…BOTH!  It is important to make sure that screen use, especially with our children, is moderated.  I know, easier said than done right?! Studies show that overuse and/or unsupervised use of screens by children can cause a number of problems, including,  language development delays, attention difficulties, emotional and anxiety issues etc. It really boils down to how we are using that technology.   There can be benefits from the use of screens, when we use them as teaching tools or use them with our children. If we use a device with our child in a way that reinforces our relationship by laughing, talking, engaging with and bonding over what you are watching together, that is a positive use. Or if we use screens for straightforward fun educational programs/games, that is another positive use which can prove very beneficial. 

On the other hand, if you find yourself handing your child a screen in an effort to occupy them, or keep them company so that you can do other things, this may end up having an adverse effect, such as your child throwing tantrums when the device is taken away, or an inability to keep focus/attention on things that are not as stimulating as the bright colors and actions they watch on their device. INSTEAD, try using books, puzzles, coloring pages or other educational toys that require the use of motor skills to occupy your child, so they are benefiting from positive stimulation, not being dominated by it. 

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Realistically, we all have or will hand our child a device at some point for the wrong reason, just try to make sure it is a last resort rather than the first choice .So next time you reach for that iPad or hand your child your phone, think about why you are doing it and try to make a good choice that will benefit your child.

For more information go to:

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/children-and-screen-time

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The American Academy of Pediatrics at https://www.aap.org/en/