When a screen loses its childhood
In the digital age, the image of children sitting for hours next to phones, tablets or televisions has become familiar. However, this seemingly harmless habit is increasing the risk of obesity and hindering language development in young children.
According to Dr. Amar Bhise, a Pediatrician at the Mumbai Institute of Child Health (India): Children who spend too much time in front of a screen will be less active, easily form snacking habits and reduce direct interaction. These are factors that increase the rate of overweight, obesity and slow communication development".
A study published in the journal PLOS One with more than 29,000 children showed that children who watched TV or played video games for more than an hour a day were much more likely to be obese than those who rarely used screens. Meanwhile, the journal Pediatrics affirmed that children who use electronic devices for more than two hours a day are twice as likely to be overweight.
Loss of connection, consequences that few people expect
Not only does it affect physical health, screen addiction also impairs childrens language skills and social interaction. Research by the South African Language and Hearing Association shows that children who are exposed to screens more often show signs of being slow to speak, due to limited language and less sensitivity to non-language signals.
When children are not allowed to chat, listen to stories or participate in interactive games, they lose the opportunity to learn to express and understand the feelings of others. As a result, communication and social behavior skills are affected in the long term."
Experts recommend that parents should limit the time they spend using the device for their children to a maximum of two hours per day. Instead of absolute banking, encourage children to participate in outdoor activities, read books, cook or learn musical instruments instead.
In addition, parents need to set an example in using electronic devices, creating "screenless areas" such as dining tables or bedrooms so that the whole family has time to really chat.
Children learn by observation. If adults reduce their dependence on the device, children will also self-adjust their behavior," Dr. Bhise emphasized.
