Are we aware of how electronic gadgets affect our children ?

General
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During recent times especially after covid-19 pandemic, we have witnessed a rapid increase in the use of electronic gadgets among children. In many individuals, it has become common to see parents or caregivers using mobile phones to make children eat, keep them occupied, or stop them from crying.

According to Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), children between 3 to 4 years of age should have a maximum limit of 1 hour per day. However, excessive or unsupervised use may have unintended effects on a child’s physical, mental, and social development.

Several studies have suggested that excessive screen time may be associated with reduced physical activity, sleep disturbances, attention problems, and emotional disturbances in some children. Spending prolonged time on electronic gadgets can also lead to less face-to-face social interactions, reduced outdoor activities and creative play.

Sleep is one of the most affected by excessive gadget use. Screen exposure, particularly before bedtime, has been linked to delayed sleep onset and poorer sleep quality. Adequate sleep is essential for growth, learning and emotional well-being.

Another concern is eye health. Increased screen exposure and reduced outdoor activity have been associated with a high risk of myopia among children. Regular breaks and outdoor activities can help reduce the risk.

However, electronic gadgets are not entirely harmful. Electronic gadgets can also support learning and language development, when used appropriately and under parental supervision.

The key issue is not merely the presence of screens but how, when and how long they are used. Parents can promote healthier digital habits by setting reasonable screen-time limits, encouraging outdoor play and avoiding gadget use before bedtime.

Finding a balance between digital engagement and real-world experiences is essential for supporting healthy childhood development.

Do you think electronic gadgets are affecting children more because of the devices themselves, or because they are replacing outdoor play, sleep, and face-to-face interactions?

Referred articles : https://www.researchgate.net/publication/392477150_Screen_Time_Among_Under-Five_Children_in_India_A_Systematic_Review_and_Meta-Analysis

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0891524525002512?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11846013/

MBH/DB

2 Likes
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More than gadgets, lack of sleep, lack of outdoor time , decreased social interaction will have a long term effects on overall development of children

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excessive use of gadgets leads to more imbalance in every day schedules, children does not have any outdoor activities or even the indoor once. Even during their lunch or dinner they need to watch the screen, these all factors plays a major role.

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I think the concern is less about the gadgets themselves and more about what they replace. When screens start taking the place of outdoor play, quality sleep, family interactions, and creative play, their impact becomes much greater. Like many tools, it’s not just the device it’s how, when, and why it’s used that matters.

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5

That’s true and its important to educate both parents and children regarding these problems.

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Yes, screen time during meals may also lead to mindless eating which can lead to overeating.

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That’s right the effects usually depends on how, when and why it’s used. Limited screen time with proper outdoor activity, quality sleep and family interactions is advisable.