I must address once again a great concern of mine, which is seeing so many little children habitually using electronic devices like tablets, smartphones, etc. Far too many parents are giving their little ones these devices mostly to boost their own egos and to show their friends and family that they have "smart children" and that they can afford such expensive toys. More and more the research is telling us that it is unwise to give children these devices. In 2014 I wrote, "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 smartphones, we know now that might not be something really to 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."
In 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 children under two years old should not have any exposure to technology (no TV, computers or hand-held devices); three to five-year-olds should be restricted to one hour per day; and six to 18-year-olds should be restricted to two hours per day. This parallels with previous research that states that children under 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 and acknowledge people around them. They keep on swiping their devices when being spoken to, 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 their devices. Without them they are bored and restless. They cannot sit quietly longer than a few seconds before picking up their devices 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. Here are a few of the reasons for the ban -- and I am quoting directly from the report. Parents with little ones, read carefully.
o Between zero and two years, infants' brains triple in size and continue in a state of rapid development to 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.
o 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 is detrimental to child development and learning.
o 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 ages nine to 10 are sleep deprived to the extent that their grades are detrimentally impacted.
o 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 has a diagnosed mental illness.
o 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 United States 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.
o 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.
o 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 ages eight to 18 years is addicted to technology.
Parents, it is time you take charge. If you have not been sucked into the technology culture, do not purchase your tiny ones any iPads or smart phones at this time. Wait until they start junior high. If your child below the age of 12 is currently a hand-held device junkie, then sit with the child and inform him or her that you will be restricting their use from now on. Follow the suggestions mentioned earlier in this article regarding recommended length of time, etc. When your child is old enough to use an iPad make sure you are the one who controls what it is used for. Do not give the child the password for the App Store. Introduce other physical and mental activities that will promote a more wholesome development. Make sure your child spends ample time outdoors every day. 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. 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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