Technology has made an impact on our daily lives, especially with children’s development. In the past, children would run around and play outside all day, building forts and riding their bikes. They play games with their friends at childcare facilities, ruling imaginary castles and dragons that didn’t need expensive gadgets. Today, children’s games are different. The impact of technology has affected the foundation of every child’s development. Thus, causing massive changes with their core values and the way they communicate. Because of everyone’s busy lives, parents now rely on technology to help them manage their kids.
How technology affects every child’s development
Children now rely on technology to play games, limiting their chances of interacting with other people. Even worse, it limits their imagination and creativity. It also hinders a few essential activities that involve their motor development. Although there are apps that provide help for kids with ADHD, excessive use of it can have a negative impact on their development.
Some educators and many educational institutions say that technology somehow triggeAed an increase in physical and psychological disorders. That’s why it’s crucial to learn as much about it. Looking at it can help parents and others in the educational and health system understand the issue.
For a child to achieve holistic growth, they need development in four crucial factors. These factors are touch, movement, exposure to nature, and human connection. A child needs at least 2 to 3 hours of active playtime to achieve enough sensory stimulation each day. Even more, tactile stimulation through physical contact is crucial to help him develop his movement.
The harmful effects of excessive exposure to gadgets
Weakened motor skills
Research has revealed that excessive use of gadgets can weaken a child’s motor skills. Moreover, it can also affect their posture and trunk muscles, too. Fortunately, occupational therapy can treat any of these problems and reduce their effects. Another problem that most occupational therapists notice is its effects on a child’s vision and handwriting skills.
Some children had difficulties with writing because their fingers were used to handling tablets and other gadgets, and had not developed the fine motor skills needed for writing.
Social skills waned
The use of gadgets by children is now increasing as days pass. An increase in time spent in front of devices lessens the time spent on socializing. It also affects the time for doing other activities and even speaking with their parents. Some children find it challenging to maintain eye contact when speaking with others, and find the screen a more comforting arena where they can spend their time.
The right age to let them play with gadgets
Experts know that these tools can be used for learning, as long as they are used properly. They suggest letting your children play gadgets only when they reach the age of three. Moreover, you should limit their daily usage to at least an hour a day, so they can do other activities. You should also stop them from using any media tool an hour before going to bed. Doing so prevents their sleep from getting disrupted.
Gadgets such as smartphones are a necessity for everyone, but not for young children. Parents need to track how their children use these gadgets each day to ensure that they’ll still live an active and healthy life. Let them do activities on their own, so they’ll know what it feels like to be a social and fully-realized human being.
