We all know how bad it is to spend time in front of a screen, but we also forget that easily when we are bored or when it seems like the only way to calm our children down when they refuse toys, food, or naps. This article will make a case for why it is better to exchange listening to music or watching cartoons with some other activity, and list which activities are useful.
Why should children be familiarized with technology as late as possible?
Even though the use of the term “digital literacy” is widespread today and it is impossible not to use at least some of the smart devices, psychologists and neuroscientists recommend that children in early development stages spend as little time as possible using these devices. The reasoning behind this is that numerous studies have shown that screenism, which is the term psychotherapists use to denote the negative influence of screens on the brain, impacts children’s emotional development, communication, speech development, as well as attention span.
Pediatrician and researcher, Jenny Radesky, emphasizes that too much screen time impacts the development of social skills, empathy, and problem-solving skills because these skills are achieved through exploration, playing, as well as interaction with friends. Many psychologists point out that it is detrimental to calm children down by giving them smartphones because in this way they cannot learn to self-regulate.
French neuroscientist, Michel Desmurget warns of the effects of technology in early developmental stages and claims that it is very important for children to spend time with their families for the development of language and emotional intelligence. Children growing up with technology dedicate less time to other activities, like homework, listening to music, and reading. It also worsens the quality of their sleep, causes an excess of attention stimulation, and all of that combined leads to difficulties with concentrating and makes the brain unable to achieve its full potential.