Japanese pediatricians warn about the early use of smartphones and tablets in babies and young childrenTo be more exact, they warn of the risks involved in the prolonged use of these devices.
This is a campaign called 'Don't let the smarthones be a babysitter for your children', which will include the placement of posters with recommendations that will be distributed in pediatric clinics in the country. In general, parents are urged to set time limits on the use of these terminals, and spend more time with children, offering them alternative activities. This is one of the cases in which the imbalance can lead to insane behaviors that replace a healthy and constructive use of technology; or on the contrary to a denial of reality.
That is, despite the fact that many of us know that the problems that arise in the relationship of children with devices, programs or the Internet, are due to misuse, and not 'because of technology'; There are still many families in which there is a lack of reflection on the role of parents as guides, and others in those who, due to ignorance, make it difficult for children to use it.
That is why this intervention by Japanese pediatricians is important, and more so considering that we are talking specifically about young children.
This association considers that prolonged use (understood as for many hours a day) can cause passive children, thus increasing the tendency to lack of physical exercise, but it is also that in ages where interpersonal relationships are so important, It promotes isolation. They point out this misuse also as a cause of the decrease in healthy sensory development.
Among the recommendations we gave last year here, one that coincides with the concerns of the pediatric professionals responsible for this campaign stands out. These indicate that there are parents who substitute games or readings with their children for a smartphone or tablet that keeps them busy. While in the linked entrance, parents are encouraged to share their children's screen time with children, to enjoy, learn, interact and have the opportunity to guide and let themselves be taught.
I have read that the creators of applications with children's content claim to be advised by experts in education; However, the question posed by pediatricians is not that, but to establish time limits.
Children and smartphones: a reality that is increasingly present
I understand that at an early age the phone that children use is from one of the parents, but near adolescence it is more than likely that they 'need' at least one day a week to carry the device with them (for example when they go after school to the Conservatory and do not return home to eat). Whether or not they can take the parents' one on those occasions, which model we buy if necessary, or if we use a prepaid card or hire a fee, it is not a discussion we are going to enter now.
Rather I would like to remember that taking into account the opportunities and also the risks of the Internet, from Peques and Más we consider that to tip the balance towards the first, we must educate to use the terminals with common sense. Of course, we also take into account the maturity of our children, especially when it comes to facilitating access to data from your phone.
And it is that there is an adequate way to use the smartphone, and although we do not forget about cyberbullying (whose incidence increases with whatsapp), sexting, or grooming; We like to think that they are excellent tools to communicate, learn and enjoy ... yes, without forgetting the interpersonal relationships that develop without technology involved.
To reach that balance, parental intervention is necessary.
