Gadgets nowadays has been evolving at an alarming rate, usually
with the goal of convenience for its user in mind. This advancement also
increased the availability to a wider range of consumers. Children for
instance, are exposed earlier to these devices than what is advisable.
Using electronic gadgets at a young age can expose a child
to social and health risks. However, since parents experience a certain
attachment with these devices, they fail to understand the negative effects
these can cause to their children. As a result, children are not taught how to
use them properly.
According to an article in The Straits Times, a study led by
Dr. Nirmala Karuppiah from the National Institute of Education’s (NIE) early
childhood and special education academic group was conducted that looks at how
pre-schoolers in Singapore use gadgets such as computers, tablets and
smartphones.
The researchers visited the homes and schools of 60 children
ranging five to six years old from five pre-schools to observe their computer
habits along with conducting interviews with the children themselves, their
parents and teachers. The study showed that 65% of the children started playing
with electronic gadgets before they even turned three. 95% played video and
simulation games. Half of them used these devices to play educational games
such as spelling quizzes along with surfing the internet and using social
networks.
The study showed, however, that few parents (30% of the 60
interviewed) supervise their children in the proper use of gadgets. The
remaining gives their children free rein on any devices. 85% of the parents
felt that their children benefitted from using these devices since they saw
them become more “IT-savvy.”
Dr. Kuruppiah said that many were not aware of the risks
involved in the misuse and excessive use of these devices. Health risks such as
poor sitting postures and children straining their eyes can occur as well as
problems with nutrition. Children in the interview stated that they skip meals
or eat faster so that they can finish their game. Social and emotional risks
such as gaming addiction and cyber-bullying are also some of the problems.
According to UP
Diliman Associate Professor of Family Life and Child Development Dr.
Lilian-Juadiong, letting children use electronic devices is not a bad thing
since banning them completely can risk the child to be ignorant of things that
are common in modern day society. However, moderation, supervision, as well as
paying attention to a child’s age is important. Letting children use electronic
gadgets before the age of four is not advisable.
[Maria Diana Cecilia Villanueva]
Sources:
http://www.philstar.com/health-and-family/2014/01/17/1279949/child-expert-dr.-juadiong-speaks-dealing-toddlers
Images from Google:
It is not good to expose children to electronic gadgets too early.
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