Tablets and smartphones may affect social and emotional development, scientists speculate

Journal commentary warns that using a tablet or smartphone to divert a childs attention could be
detrimental to internal mechanisms of self-regulation Using a smartphone or iPad to pacify a toddler
may impede their ability to learn self-regulation, according to researchers.

In a commentary for the journal Pediatrics, researchers at Boston University School of Medicine
reviewed available types of interactive media and raised important questions regarding their use as
educational tools, according to a news release.

The researchers said that though the adverse effects of television and video on very small children was
well understood, societys understanding of the impact of mobile devices on the pre-school brain has
been outpaced by how much children are already using them.

The researchers warned that using a tablet or smartphone to divert a childs attention could be
detrimental to their social-emotional development.

If these devices become the predominant method to calm and distract young children, will they be able
to develop their own internal mechanisms of self-regulation? the scientists asked.

Use of interactive screen time below three years of age could also impair a childs development of the
skills needed for maths and science, they found, although they also said some studies suggested benefits
to toddlers use of mobile devices including in early literacy skills, or better academic engagement in
students with autism.

Jenny Radesky, clinical instructor in developmental-behavioural pediatrics at Boston University School of

Medicine, published her teams findings. She urged parents to increase direct human to human
interaction with their offspring.

Radesky encouraged more unplugged family interaction in general and suggested young children may
benefit from a designated family hour of quality time spent with relatives without any television and
mobile devices being involved.

The researchers pointed out that while there is plenty of expert evidence that children under 30 months
cannot learn as well from television and videos as they can from human interaction, there has been
insufficient investigation into whether interactive applications on mobile devices produce a similar result.

Radesky questioned whether the use of smartphones and tablets could interfere with the ability to
develop empathy and problem-solving skills and elements of social interaction that are typically learned
during unstructured play and communication with peers.

Playing with building blocks may help a toddler more with early maths skills than interactive electronic
gadgets, she said.
These devices may replace the hands-on activities important for the development of sensorimotor and
visual-motor skills, which are important for the learning and application of maths and science, Radesky
said.

There is evidence that well-researched early-learning television programmes, such as Sesame Street, and
electronic books and learn-to-read applications on mobile devices can help vocabulary and reading
comprehension, the team found, but only once children are much closer to school age.

Radesky recommended that parents try applications before considering allowing a child to use them.

At this time there are more questions than answers when it comes to mobile media, she said.

This article was amended on Monday 2 February 2015, to correctly identify the source cited. The
headline and text were extensively rewritten to better reflect the nature of the article. We originally said
the article was based on scientific research; in fact it was based on a news release, dated 30 January
2015, about a commentary on previous research and possible new areas of study. Links in the article
have been changed to correctly identify sources.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/feb/01/toddler-brains-research-smartphones-damage-
social-development

9 Effects of Modern Gadgets on Children Development

Technology and kids today is a sight you often see. A toddler holding a tablet, an infant with an iphone in
her mouth, whats new? At one point, parents have great regard over gadgets as a way to pacify their
children and as an entertaining and educational tool. But later on, it becomes an alarming sight.
Apparently, a research from Common Sense Media revealed the exceptional increase of children using
gadgets such as smartphones and tablets have increased in just two years. From 38% in 2011, the
biannual survey revealed that children below eight year old using mobile devices have gone up to 72% in
2013. Conducted on American parents themselves, the survey further showed the increase of toddlers
gadget exposure from 10% to 38%. With this, the American Academy of Pediatrics discourage the tech
use for children under the age of two saying that it changes the nature of childhood.

On the same year, the University of Wisconsin showed that toddlers are likely to respond better to video
screens that initiates interaction, thus the pacifying effect of tablets to children. Common Sense Media
founder Jim Seyer explains that these digital gadgets are changing the entire childhood lifestyle, even
replacing TVs, toys, playgrounds, and storybooks. One-year-olds are now walking up to TV screens and
swiping them because they think they are tablets, he said. They are becoming a part of childhood in
ways that were almost inconceivable before.

Kaiser Family Foundation reports that on average, children are spending almost seven and a half hours
staring at screens. Moreover, children are now learning how to use gadgets first even before they could
walk or even tie their shoe lace. Most parents who give in to their childrens whims cant see the effects
but governments and experts are calling on families to reduce their toddlers exposure to these gadgets.
What are the effects of modern gadgets on children? Here are ten reasons why modern gadgets impede
children development:

1. Drastic Brain Development

During the toddler years, the brain triples in size and continues to develop until adult years. Studies have
shown that too much gadgets may negatively affect a childs brain on its functioning, and may even
cause attention deficit, cognitive delays, impaired learning, increased impulsivity, and decreased ability
to self-regulation. Smart Parenting advises parents to sing, read, and talk to their children than letting
them play or watch TV at home. 2. Oh no! Obesity
Children who rely their playing time in front of screens rather than outside in the playgrounds do not
burn the calories they take in. One in three U.S. children is obese, which may lead to complications such
as diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. Parents must encourage their kids to play more. They must
understand that there are many benefits of playing including having their children walk, run, jump and
get the exercise they need. Children get fit at the playgrounds and build relationships. The Parents Zone
encourages parents to expose their kids more into physical activity then inculcate technology in the later
years of their kids for a healthier lifestyle as they grow.

3. Violence
Most parents have noticed that their kids learn to be aggressive due to long hours of playing games in
their tablets. Tantrums are the most common form of aggressiveness among toddlers. As they grow
older, children who are addicted to computer games are more likely to confront and disobey their elders.
So as early as today, instead of relying on tablets to quiet down your little dynamo, opt for coloring books
or balls. Take charge of your child today and know more about their behavioral changes with Janet
Lehman.

4. Radiation Exposure
According to the 2011 report of the World Health Organization, cellphones and other wireless devices
are considered category 2B risk because of their radiation emission. In December 2013, Dr. Anthony
Miller from the University of Torontos School of Public Health revealed that radio frequency exposure is
clearly a threat to children. Healthy Child Healthy World acknowledges this rising radiation issue among
children and gives tips on protecting your child from these harmful gadgets.

5. Reduced Interaction
By playing on tablets, they could easily play on their own. In an article published in The New York Times,
Dr. Gary Small, author of iBrain:Surviving the Technological Alteration of the Modern Mind and
director if the Longevity Center at the University of California says that if children spend too much time
on technology and less time with people, it hinders interaction and disrupts the normal communication
skill development on children. In a family set-up, toddlers often fail to improve on their communication
with their parents since they surround themselves with inanimate objects. Others copy and inherit the
skill of talking from TV but fail when socializing with other people. 6. Sleep Deprivation
Children who get addicted to playing on their phones or tablets miss out on the needed rest. On other
occasions, playing on their tablets becomes their sleeping pill. Without it, they become grumpy and
aggressive. The Sleep Lady explains signs whether your toddler is suffering sleep deprivation and tips
that you could do to help your toddler have a good nights sleep.

7. No Exposure To Nature
Gadgets are killing the development of a child. Instead of getting out and learning the ways of the world,
running and socializing with other kids, they would rather stay at home and play on their computer.
Some parents who are overprotective find technology as helpful since they know that the safety of their
child at home is secured. However, they fail to realize that the child is estranged from the natural world
of plants, animals, lakes, and sky. Toddlers should be able to throw a ball, hop, skip, jump, run, call a
friend by names, among others. Learn more about toddler milestones from Babycentre. This is one of
the benefits of playing outside in playgrounds, they learn a lot from interaction, socialization, natures
beauty, and life itself.

8. Damaged Eyesight
Prolonged exposure at computer screens strains the eyes. Experts say that good eyesight largely depends
upon staring at things of varying distances. Research shows that children who are addicted to playing
computer games are more likely to develop eye problems as they grow. Vision shares more insight on
how computer gaming affects the eyes of children.

9. Addiction
If parents continue to feed the whims of their children, they are allowing addiction to grow. Parents must
expose their children to the rest of the world rather than leaving them at home with their gadgets.
WebMD explains how computers and gadgets are addictive. Instead of getting them addicted to such
technologies, they should be exposed to activities that promote mental, physical, and emotional
development. Despite numerous studies revealing the negative effects of modern gadgets on children,
some experts are still positive about the rise of technology. University of Wisconsin assistant professor,
Heather Kirkorian says that touch screens could hold educational potential for toddlers. Being an expert
on child development, "Kids who are interacting with the screen get better much faster, make fewer
mistakes and learn faster. But we're not turning them into geniuses, just helping them get a little more
information, she explains.

Technology should be encouraged and yet moderated. It is a new generation and kids should get the
right amount of knowledge over such advancements. However, parents must perform their responsibility
of protecting their child. While there is still time, introduce a new habit of playing outdoors and
interesting games with kids of his age. Visit PlaygroundEquipment.com and get helpful information on
educational toys for your childs development.

Learn about the author: Jennifer Holmes

http://blog.playgroundequipment.com/2014/09/effects-modern-gadgets-children-development.html
Kids and Gadgets: The Effects of Electronic Media on Developing Brains

2/16/2015 7:00:00 AM
By Aby League
Tags: Kids And Gadgets, Developing Brains, Research, Studies, Tips, Kids, Aby League,

Its amazing how a 2-year old can be handed a gadget and just know how to use it, similar to how a kid
knows how to use a feeding bottle. Action figures, puzzles and blocks are no longer the standard toys
among todays children. Research by child-education specialists at the Michael Cohen Group revealed
that touch screens have taken over all other forms of playful delight for kids. Sixty percent of parents with
kids under the age of 12 reported that their child plays on a portable screen often, while 38 percent
apparently play very often. Its interesting to note that 36 percent of these kids have their own device.

On the average, research by the Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that children are spending seven and
a half hours staring at a screen. Compare these results to a global survey of preschool-aged kids by the
Nature Conservancy, which showed that preschoolers around the world spend an hour and a half a day (12
hours a week) on a playground or outdoors. It should be no surprise, then, that when a kid turns seven,
traditional play is over.

The advantages of traditional play range from physical to mental and emotional. In addition, the
disadvantages are equally enormous, and the effects stay with the child as he or she reaches adulthood. So
before handing your kid a gadget just to shut him up, learn about the long-term effects modern gadgets
can have on a kids brain as well as their overall development.

Not Good For the Brain

Even before kids can utter their first words, kids brains are tripling in sizea lot of learning happens
before the age of five. Researchers at the University of Washington reveal that modern gadgets are not
necessary in child developmentchildren can thrive on being talked to and read to. In fact, kids need
one-on-one time with their parents, not gadgets. Additionally, overexposure to gadgets has been linked to
attention deficit, cognitive delays and impaired learning.

Language Delay for Toddlers

There is no such thing as educational TV for kids under 2 years old, according to the American Academy
of Pediatrics (AAP). There are presumptions that screen time can be educational, but the AAP says that
toddlers under the age of two do not have the cognitive ability to comprehend such programs. What it
actually does is interfere with talk time between the parent and the child, which results in delayed
language skills. Parents should be reminded of this because, aside from TV, a survey commissioned by
Common Sense Media revealed that 38 percent of kids under 2 years old have used gadgets such as a
smartphone or tablet even before they could talk or walk.

Less Active Play Equals Delayed Development

Kids under the age of 12 spend more time in front of a screen rather than playing outdoors. This
restriction in movement results in delayed development. John Ratey, a doctor at Harvard, explained in his
book, Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, that the advantages of playing
are not limited to being physically fit and socially comfortable. Even 10 minutes of physical activity
changes the way the brain functions. In addition, exercise normally makes people feel better because it
builds and conditions the brain.

Not Good for Bedtime

The late-night glow of laptops and mobile phones are depriving children a good night sleep. Research at
the Kaiser Foundation found that 60 percent of parents dont supervise their childrens gadget usage, and
75 percent of kids are allowed to use technology in their bedrooms. This results in 75 percent of sleep-
deprived children, between the ages of 9 and 10, according to researchers from Boston College.

Not Good for School

Being sleep-deprived doesnt only affect child development but also their performance in school.
Researchers from Boston College found that students from developing countries in Asia scored better in
math, science and reading than students from the U.S. and other big world economies whose children are
overexposed to technology.

Terrible Child Aggression

A study by the National Institutes of Health found that the increase in use of modern technology can
break the old boundaries of family, values, behavior and childrens well-being. Some games available in
the internet portray sex, murder, torture and mutilation, which can make kids violent and aggressive. On
the other hand, playing outdoors (for example, in a traditional playground) has proven to help children be
more sociable and generally calmer.

Kids Suffer Mental Illness

The PEACH project, a study of more than 1,000 children between the ages of 10 and 11, found that
children who spend longer than two hours in front of a screen or another entertainment medium are more
likely to suffer psychological difficulties. These can include child depression, anxiety, attention deficit
and problematic child behavior. On the other hand, children who experience more moderate physical
activity fared better in emotional categories and were better able to solve peer problems. This shows that
active play makes kids healthier not only physically but also mentally and emotionally.

Gadgets Cause Tantrums

Do you know what an iPaddy means? Its a term coined for kids throwing a tantrum when their
electronic devices are taken away from them. A study commissioned by online retailer Pixmania revealed
that eight out of 10 parents who have children ages 14 and under said they confiscate gadgets as a form of
punishment. Because kids have grown attached to them, kids throw tantrums. If you dont want to be like
these parents, re-assess the extent you allow your kids to regularly use technology before they get too
attached to them.

There is no stopping the wave of technology. Parents cannot tell their kids to live without them because
they will surely need it as they grow older. However, a parent must be aware of the advantages and
disadvantages behind them. When supervised and regulated, gadgets can aid in development at the right
age, but too much use of technology (and too early) will only delay a childs learning abilities and put a
strain on his psychological health.
 http://www.motherearthliving.com/smart-parenting/kids-and-gadgets-effects-of-electronic-media-on-
developing-brains

Wom Editorial

Can kids and gadgets coincide harmlessly or is it detrimental to their development? The verdict rests on
the latter thought, yet many parents seem to be oblivious of the fact as they expose their kids to the
harmful effects of electronic gadgets.

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It comes as no surprise that kids know exactly what to do with a tab or smartphone even before they can
learn to speak. Of course, they have their parents to thank for that. Parents who seem to turn a blind eye
and a deaf ear to the ill-effects of placing an electronic gadget in their toddlers hand. If you're one of
those few parents who are just ignorant of the fact, you might want to take a look at how that
unsuspecting gadget could be harming your toddler.

The Ill-Effects of Modern Day Gadgets on Toddlers

Hampers cognitive development:

Your babys brain develops at a rapid pace from the time they are born. Research has shown that
overexposure to gadgets can result in slow cognitive development, attention deficit and even
impaired hearing. So from the time they learn to utter their first few words, the only person
reading, singing songs and nursery rhymes and talking to them should be you and not some
fictitious character on the TV or that tablet.

Builds obsession leading to agitation:

What starts as a means to pacify them by giving your toddler a gadget to play with can soon turn
into an obsession for them. This obsession can further lead to increased agitation and temper
tantrums if parents take these gadgets away or refuse to give it to them. If you dont want an
 agitated toddler on your hands, limit the extent of exposure to electronic gadgets before your
toddler gets too attached to them.

Delayed physical development:

Toddlers should be strolling around in their walkers or playing with blocks or other toys instead
of being glued to the TV or other gadgets. Lack of physical activity is bound to result in delayed
physical development and even childhood obesity, which is alarmingly on the increase from the
amount spent on gadget time.

Inhibits social relationships:

When kids and gadgets become inseparable, the attachment can stand in the way of your
toddler bonding with family and friends of their age. Keep this up and your two-year could grow
up to become a social recluse, without any normal friends outside his electronic world.

Imposes health risks:

By giving your toddler an electronic gadget to play with, you're exposing to them to a number of
health risks. A strain on the eye, poor sitting posture and the exposure to electromagnetic
radiation are just some of the health hazards out of innumerable others that could afflict your
child from an early age.

Prevention is better than cure as the saying goes. Toddlers dont need a gadget to keep them occupied.
After all, we all managed to grow up just fine without the world of technology encroaching upon our
territory, didnt we? So why expose your child to the bad effects of gadgets on children? Allow them to
grow up normally with dolls and remote cars and puzzles and picture books. They'll be glad you did!

http://www.worldofmoms.com/articles/how-that-gadget-could-be-harming-your-toddler/2217/4