A Digital Dilemma

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Most preschoolers don't know how to tie their

shoelaces but they can understand—as if by osmosis—how to use the latest electronic gadget. 1

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Young children-even toddlers-are spending

more and more time with digital technology.

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Experts and parents applaud the fact

that technology makes learning fun

and engages kids in exploring and problem-solving 1 .

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But what will it mean for their development?

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Four critical factors necessary to achieve healthy

child development are movement, touch, human connection, and exposure to nature2.

These types of sensory inputs

ensure normal development

of posture, bilateral coordination, optimal arousal states and self-regulation necessary for achieving

foundation skills for eventual

school entry2.

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Children who overuse technology are experiencing

a sensory imbalance…

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…which creates huge problems in

overall neurological development,

as the brains anatomy, chemistry and

pathways become permanently

altered and impaired2.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Society of Pediatrics state:

infants aged 0-2 years should not have any exposure to technology, 3-5 years be

restricted to one hour per day, and 6-18 years restricted to two hours per day3.

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Experts who are worried about how immersed kids have become in interactive media point to studies

linking heavy screen

time to:

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Obesity - Children who are allowed a device in their

bedrooms have 30% increased incidence of obesity3 .

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Difficulty paying attention -75% of children

aged 9 and 10 years are sleep deprived to the extent that their grades are detrimentally impacted3.

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High speed media content can

contribute to attention deficit,

as well as decreased

concentration and memory3.

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An inability to make real-world friends - attachment to devices has sacrificed conversation for mere connection.

Dulled Imagination - experts argue, digital

technology robs kids of the hands-on creative play that's so essential for development1.

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And Increased Aggression

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"Children under 7 can't always differentiate between fantasy and reality. Little kids learn from what they see and imitate it. So if a character on screen bops someone on the head, you may well see that same behavior in your living room.” -Liz Perle1.

It's important to come together as parents,

teachers and therapists to help society "wake up"

and see the devastating effects technology is

having on our child's physical, psychological and behavioral health…

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…as well on their ability to learn and sustain

personal and family relationships2.

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While no one can argue the benefits of advanced

technology in today's world, connection to these

devices may have resulted in a disconnection from

what society should value most, children2.

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References

[1] M. D. Rosen, "Parents," 2014. [Online]. Available:

http://www.parents.com/fun/entertainment/gadgets/is-technology-good-for-

little-kids/?page=1. [Accessed 23 May 2014].

[2] C. Rowan, "The Impact of Technology on the Developing Child," 29 May 2013.

[Online]. Available: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cris-rowan/technology-

children-negative-impact_b_3343245.html. [Accessed 23 May 2014].

[3] C. Rowan, "10 Reasons Why Handheld Devices Should be Banned for Children

Under the Age of 12," 6 March 2014. [Online]. Available:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cris-rowan/10-reasons-why-handheld-

devices-should-be-banned_b_4899218.html. [Accessed 22 March 2014].

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