Have you encountered a child who spent most of his time using the gadgets? Nowadays, most of the children are exposed to different devices and they usually spent more time watching their favorite show or playing their games. According to research, toddlers must limit their viewing time especially to smartphones, televisions and tablets to avoid harmful effects of the brain. Screen-based media could be linked with changes in the structural integrity of brain that support literacy and language skills among preschool children. Research reported that more than one-hour exposure of the children ages 3-5 years old in television or other device could affect to their brain development. Too much screen time among toddlers can result to poor comprehension and even brain or damage due to the intense radiation.
According to Dr. John Hutton, a pediatrician and clinical researcher at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, toddlers are not allowed to spent more time watching TV, smartphones, laptops, desktop and tablets to avoid brain damage and to prevent undesirable behavior. The brain is developing quickly in the first five years and it must be filled with necessary things that can boost the cognitive skills. Study revealed that children who spent longer time on screen were confused, disturbed and they cannot concentrate to do their respective tasks.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggested that children ages 18-24 months old should watch only high-quality programs together with the parents/guardians. Children ages 2-5 years old should be restricted to an hour a day watching their favorite shows or playing games with supervision. Limit your child’s viewing time to avoid poor eating habits, behavioral problems and the inability to pay attention. Let’s take care the health of our children!
PNFP Karla P. Calapardo, RND
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