When Is The Right Time To Introduce Your Child To Smartphones or Tablets?
It is undeniable that technology of smartphones and tablets has become one of the most important part of our daily lives. Moreover, in this generation tablets and smartphones are encouraged in education system in Thailand. But, did you know that…
A child from 0 to 2 years old is unable to convert the image and sound they see and hear on electronic screen to knowledge for everyday lives.
This is the age at which the brain is growing. All developments are rapid. Whether it is the development of muscle, language, intelligence, and emotion. Children of this age will have to learn by exploring the environment around, identifying wrong things, dangers, protection with close supervision
HappyMom.Life would like to present research data from a doctor for parents to smartly apply and care for children while using electronic media.
Newborn To 2 Years Old Use Electronic Media More & More Everyday
In the study of Dr. Veerasak Cholajaya, head of Development and Growth Department of Pediatrics Faculty of Medicine Chulalongkorn University found that 99.7 percent of children receive electronic media at the age of 1.5 months to 1 year old an average of 4 hours per day. This increases to 5 hours per day when the child turns 18 months. Most electronic media are TVs and watching more and more comic TV programs via the Internet, smartphones and tablets.
Electronic Media Affects The Brain & Development of Children
Research also found that children who have been receiving electronic media from 6-18 months old have a disruptive behavior. The behavior becomes more severe especially if the child is exposed to adult media.
Impact on language behavior. Electronic media is designed to promote speech. This can help promote the use of clear language for early childhood and can improve the language of children. However, watching general entertainment for long period per day will result in delayed language development.
Impact on brain development. Studies show that children who are exposed to electronic media for a long period of time result in delay creativity development for children. Moreover, this will also have an impact on the level of success in education, career, family and society.
Impact on sleeping habits. Children who are exposed to violent content will result in sleeping problems at early childhood.
Moreover, children who have been exposed to violence leads to aggressive behavior. In addition, a study in the Netherlands also shows that the exposure of violent media to children for a long period time result in ADHD in children.
Causes Of Children Using Too Much Media
There are many factors that cause children to use media for a long time. One of the factors is the child themselves. Children with emotional problems tend to use media more. The second factor is the parents who tend to always be on their smartphones most of the time. This result in children using smartphone more than they should. Furthermore, children who are exposed to violent content without any supervision or communication from parents will result in delayed brain development in children.
Parents must know and understand the use of electronic media for kids
- Avoid using electronic media until 2 years old.
- 2-5 years of age should limit the use of all screen media up to 1 hour per day.
- If you use the media screen, choose a program that is suitable for the age.
- Avoid having children with the screen alone.
- Avoid using electronic media before bedtime.
In the nutshell, parent should study the use of electronic media for kids and try to limit it as much as possible. In addition, parents should promote physical activities, reading books and playing with other children. This will help with brain development of the child.
Picture Credit : Pinterest