10 Reasons To Keep Your Kids Away From All iGadgets!

Added on 21 April 2016, 14:25, Updated on 20 May 2016, 16:37

According to The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Society of Pediatrics, kids aged 0-2 should avoid any exposure to technology. The acceptable time range increases with age of course, but remains quite low, as in one hour per day for ages 3-5 and 2 hours per day between ages 6-18! However, studies show that children spend 4-5 times the acceptable amount on technology/gadgets and digital interfaces. (Kaiser Foundation 2010, Active Healthy Kids Canada 2012)

The main reason behind this is simple. Handheld devices are now a part of our daily routine, and therefore, our kids'. This makes it so much easier for inconsiderate parents to "look after" their kids. Just give them an iPad, kick back and relax. Here, we will be listing 10 of the most important criteria for your child's growth. However, if you want to see further results and details about this research, feel free to hit zonein.ca.

Special thanks to Cris Rowan of Huffpost for bringing attention to this subject.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cris-rowan...

1. Rapid brain growth

Between the ages 0-2, babies' brains grow almost triple the normal amount and this growth continues until they are 21. Early development is significantly effected by environmental factors and the lack. As a result, a lot of time spent on focusing on certain technological devices, such as mobile phones, internet, tablets, TV etc. may result with the lack of cerebral growth. (Small 2008, Pagini 2010)

2. Delayed development

Excessive technology use will restrict movement and delay both physical and mental development. Movement enhances attention and learning ability (Ratey 2008). Use of technology under the age of 12 years is detrimental to child development and learning (Rowan 2010).

3. Childhood obesity

TV and video game use correlates with increased obesity (Tremblay 2005). Children who are allowed a device in their bedrooms have 30% increased incidence of obesity (Feng 2011). One in four Canadian, and one in three U.S. children are obese (Tremblay 2011). Largely due to obesity, 21st century children may be the first generation that many of whom will not outlive their parents (Professor Andrew Prentice, BBC News 2002).

4. Sleep deficiency

60% of parents do not supervise their child’s technology usage, and 75% of children are allowed technology in their bedrooms (Kaiser Foundation 2010). 75% of children aged 9 and 10 years are sleep deprived to the extent that their grades are detrimentally impacted (Boston College 2012).

5. Mental unstability

Technology overuse is implicated as a causal factor in rising rates of child depression, anxiety, attachment disorder, attention deficit, autism, bipolar disorder, psychosis and problematic child behavior (Bristol University 2010, Mentzoni 2011, Shin 2011, Liberatore 2011, Robinson 2008).

6. Aggression

Violent media content can cause child aggression (Anderson, 2007). Young children are increasingly exposed to rising incidences of physical and sexual violence in today’s media. “Grand Theft Auto V” portrays explicit sex, murder, rape, torture and mutilation, as do many movies and TV shows.

7. Digital dementia

High speed media content can contribute to attention deficit, as well as decreased concentration and memory, due to the brain pruning neuronal tracks to the frontal cortex (Christakis 2004, Small 2008). Children who can’t pay attention can’t learn.

8. Addiction

As parents attach more and more to technology, they are detaching from their children. In the absence of parental attachment, detached children can attach to devices, which can result in addiction (Rowan 2010). One in 11 children aged 8-18 years are addicted to technology (Gentile 2009).

9. Exposure to radiation

In May of 2011, the World Health Organization classified cell phones (and other wireless devices) as a category 2B risk (possible carcinogen) due to radiation emission (WHO 2011). James McNamee with Health Canada in October of 2011 issued a cautionary warning stating “Children are more sensitive to a variety of agents than adults as their brains and immune systems are still developing, so you can’t say the risk would be equal for a small adult as for a child.” (Globe and Mail 2011).

10. Unsustainable

The ways in which children are raised and educated with technology are no longer sustainable (Rowan 2010). Children are our future, but there is no future for children who overuse technology.

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