If there is a time in a person's life that one should be very cautious about the use of technology (tablets, smart phones, computers, televisions) it is between the ages of zero and 12. Recent research is telling us that overuse of technology is doing more damage than good to the brains of developing children. While parents are proud of seeing their little two and three-year-olds swiping the screens of tablets or smart phones, we now know that might not be something to really be happy about. Research is telling us that the use or overuse of technology is not making our children smarter and might be stunting their physical and intellectual development.
When I was 10 years old, I never could have imagined that 50 years later, I would be holding a television in my hand or having small, handheld devices on which I could play electronic games, connect to the world, watch the news, etc. while walking or running. Although these devices are of great advantage and evidence of an advanced society, overuse is proving detrimental, especially for children.
On May 2014, Cris Rowan, pediatric occupational therapist, wrote an article in The Huffington Post entitled "10 Reasons Why Handheld Devices Should Be Banned for Children Under the Age of 12". It gives a research report by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Society of Pediatrics on the dangers of overuse of technology. The article starts by giving the recommended lengths of time each age group should use these devices. The report states that "infants aged zero to two years should not have any exposure to technology (no TV, computers or handheld devices), three to five years be restricted to one hour per day and six to 18 years restricted to two hours per day." This parallels with a previous research that states that infants ages zero to two should not watch television."
Insulting behavior
I have observed that a large percentage of the children who use handheld devices are developing poor social skills and etiquette. When they are using their devices, they do not pay attention to their surroundings or acknowledge people around them. They keep on swiping their devices when being spoken to and are not even aware that they are insulting others around them. Even when they are walking to the church door or shop, they are continually using the device. Without the device, they are bored and restless. They cannot sit quietly longer than a few seconds before picking up the device again. It is embarrassing and insulting behavior. Parents, you must put an end to this.
Ban technology use for those under age 12
Cris Rowan is calling on parents, teachers and governments to ban the use of all handheld devices for children under the age of 12 years. Here are a few of the reasons for the ban given in the article. Parents with little ones, read carefully.
Reason one: "Between zero and two years, infants' brains triple in size, and continue in a state of rapid development until 21 years of age. Early brain development is determined by environmental stimuli, or lack thereof. Stimulation to a developing brain caused by overexposure to technologies (cell phones, Internet, tablets, TV) has been shown to be associated with executive functioning and attention deficit, cognitive delays, impaired learning, increased impulsivity and decreased ability to self-regulate, e.g., tantrums"
Reason two: "Technology use restricts movement, which can result in delayed development. One in three children now enter school developmentally delayed, negatively impacting literacy and academic achievement. Movement enhances attention and learning ability. Use of technology under the age of 12 years is detrimental to child development and learning."
Reason three (Sleep deprivation): "Sixty percent of parents do not supervise their child's technology usage, and 75 percent of children are allowed technology in their bedrooms (Kaiser Foundation 2010). Seventy-five percent of children aged nine and 10 years are sleep deprived to the extent that their grades are detrimentally impacted."
Reason four (Mental illness): "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. One in six Canadian children have a diagnosed mental illness, many of who are on dangerous psychotropic medication."
Reason five (Aggression): "Violent media content can cause child aggression. Young children are increasingly exposed to rising incidence of physical and sexual violence in today's media. The U.S. has categorized media violence as a public health risk due to causal impact on child aggression. Media reports increased use of restraints and seclusion rooms with children who exhibit uncontrolled aggression."
Reason six (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. Children who can't pay attention can't learn."
Reason seven (Addictions): "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. One in 11 children aged eight to 18 years [is] addicted to technology."
What parents are to do
Parents, it is time you take charge. If you have not been sucked into the technology culture, do not purchase your tiny ones any tablets or smart phones at this time. Wait until they start junior high. If your child below the age of 12 is currently a handheld device junkie then sit with the child and inform him or her that you will be restricting the use from now on. Follow the suggestions mentioned earlier in this article regarding recommended length of times, etc. When your child is old enough to use a tablet, make sure you are the one who controls what it is used for.
Introduce other physical and mental activities that will promote a more wholesome development. Make sure your child spends ample time outdoors everyday. Establish a "technology blackout time" in your home when no one will use electronic equipment, including the television. This can be an entire week or one day out of the week, year round. Parents, learn how to use technology to advance wholesome learning and development. Remember, overuse of technology will cause serious pains in the butt and no amount of painkillers will be able to ease the turmoil.
o Barrington H. Brennen is a marriage and family therapist and board certified clinical psychotherapist, U.S.A. Send your questions or comments to barringtonbrennen@gmail.com; or write to P.O. Box CB-13019, Nassau, The Bahamas; or visit www.soencouragement.org; or call 242-327-1980, or 242-477-4002.

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