NEW YORK.- The use of devices such as tablets and mobile phones has become a ubiquitous part of children’s daily lives in the digital age, but as this trend has increased, debate is growing about the impact What screen time can have on children’s development, especially those under 2 years old.
Pediatrician Tania Florimon stressed the importance of limiting babies’ exposure to screens, given that this can have negative consequences on their motor and speech development.
In the current context, the use of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, has become increasingly common among children.
However, this increasing prevalence of electronic devices in children’s hands raises concerns about how this technology affects their development.
According to the National Library of Medicinea study conducted in Japan with the purpose of analyzing the relationship between the use of mobile devices and the emotional and behavioral adjustment of children in primary school, showed significant results that deserve attention.
This study involved 1,642 children in first grade in primary schools in Japan. Parents of these children participated by completing questionnaires assessing their children’s use of mobile devices and their behavior and emotional adjustment.
Firstly, it was observed that 14% of children were considered regular users of mobile devices, which means that they spent 60 minutes or more a day in front of these screens. On the other hand, 86% of the children were non-regular users, who used mobile devices for less than 60 minutes a day.
One of the most relevant results of this study is related to the association between the regular use of mobile devices and behavioral problems.
Children who were regular users of these devices were significantly more likely to experience behavioral problems compared to those who were not regular users.
This association suggests that time spent on mobile devices could have a negative impact on children’s behavior, including conduct problems and difficulties paying attention.
In addition to behavioral problems, the study also found a relationship between regular use of mobile devices and hyperactivity and inattention in children. These problems can negatively affect children’s school performance and ability to concentrate.
Balancing benefits and risks: The impact of mobile device use on children’s development
Despite the findings related to behavioral problems and inattention, it is important to highlight that the impact of technology on children’s development can have both positive and negative aspects.
On the one hand, the use of mobile devices can offer educational benefits, such as access to applications and online resources that improve children’s learning skills.
They also make it easier to communicate with friends and family through video calls, which is especially important in an increasingly connected world.
On the other hand, excessive use of mobile devices can lead to a number of problems, including technology addiction, high stress levels, lack of physical activity and sleep disorders.
Additionally, exposure to inappropriate or violent content on mobile devices can have a negative impact on children’s mental and emotional health.
The study also highlights the importance of balancing screen time with other essential activities in a child’s life.
Too much time spent on mobile devices can displace essential activities, such as interacting with parents, playing outdoors, and socializing with friends and peers.
The research also highlights the relevance of considering children’s age when evaluating the impact of mobile device use.
The transition from preschool to primary school is a critical period in children’s development, and the use of mobile devices during this stage can have a significant impact on their emotional and behavioral adjustment.
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2023-09-07 20:55:00
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