Today, in the digital age, media have become an integral part of our daily lives. Children are exposed to mobile phones, laptop, TV, and personal computer for engaging oneself, knowledge, and even for soothing them down. Although screens have the potential to provide learning benefits for children if used in moderation, over usage among young children is becoming a major concern for parents and child development professionals alike.
At Sparkles School and Child Development Centre, Kakkanad we have observed that many parents are concerned about the speech delay, low attention span, and poor communication skills in their children. One such factor that we have observed is the excessive use of screens by young children.
Understanding the Effect of Screen Exposure on Young Children: An Important Factor for Parents
Exposure to technology is a major concern for parents and child development professionals, as today’s children are addicted to screens at a very young age.
Even though screens may be harmless and informative, too much screen time may interrupt crucial developmental milestones, in children below the age of five.
The initial phases of childhood shape the interpersonal and interactive skills of infants by modelling and understanding the verbal and nonverbal cues from caregivers
How Excessive Screen Time Affects Communication Development
- Delayed Speech and Language Development
Children improve their skills in language with person-to-person communications. Infants & toddlers require adults to talk to them to enhance in their speaking and language. Overindulgent use of technology and devices will affect the amount of verbal stimulation a child should get by interacting with adults.
Therefore, a child may experience the following effects:
- Developmental delays in their ability to speak
- Limited vocabulary and ability to form sentences
- Reduced ability to express their needs and emotions
Many parents visiting Sparkles School and Child Development Centre, Kakkanad complain about their child’s delayed ability to speak due to a lack of communication skills.
- Reduced Attention Span
Children are constantly exposed to digital information that constantly bombards their minds with information from the bright colours, sounds, and moving scenes from the gadgets. This constant bombardment of information from the gadgets makes children find it difficult to concentrate on activities that are slower than the digital information, such as listening to instructions, reading books, and learning activities.
Some of the issues that children who use too many gadgets are likely to face include:
- Problems in concentrating
- Impulsiveness
- Problems in following instructions
- Disinterest in play-based learning activities
- Social Disconnection
Children acquire knowledge by communicating and being with adults and other kids older to them. These can be in the form of
- Understanding the feelings of others
- Taking turns when communicating
- Showing empathy towards others
- Building relationships with others
Using too many gadgets means that children are missing out on a lot from interacting with people. Children who use too many gadgets are likely to be more interested in using the gadgets than interacting with people.
Signs That Screen Use May Be Affecting Your Child
Some signs that may prompt parents to consider assessing the screen usage of children include:
- Limited eye contact
- Delayed speech and minimal verbal interaction
- Decreased interest in social interaction
- Tantrums at the removal of gadgets
- Short attention span during play
Healthy Screen Habits for Young Children
While it is not necessary for children to avoid technology altogether, it should be used responsibly and moderately.
Some steps that parents can take for healthy child development include:
- Limiting Daily Screen Time
Children younger than two years should be exposed to minimal screen time, and children between the ages of two and five should be allowed limited screen time.
- Encouraging Interactive Play
Storytelling, drawing, singing, and play-acting are all great ways for children to improve their speaking skills and encourage imagination.
- Talking More with Your Child
Holding simple conversations throughout the day, such as during meals, play, and daily routines, can help improve speaking skills for children.
- Reading Together
Reading books daily can help children improve their speaking skills and increase their exposure to new ideas, vocabulary, and sentence structures.
- Creating Gadget-Free Family Time
Designating certain periods of the day as gadget-free can help improve family interaction.
When to Seek Professional Support
Parents who observe communication problems or developmental issues in their children should seek professional help. This is because early intervention is extremely helpful in such cases.
The children at Sparkles School and Child Development Centre in Kakkanad are helped by professionals who provide the following services:
Helping Your Children in a Digital Age
Amid the rapid digital advancement of today, parents should retain that the concept of technology is inevitable. Toddlers achieve each milestone and enhance their cognitive growth through the frequent interactions with mankind. Parents and caregivers play vital role in shaping the character of the kids and help them in improving their learning, communication, language, and related skills. The infants find most comfort in their caregivers and it is necessary that caregivers play important role in helping children balance technology use with meaningful human interaction. At Sparkles School and Child Development Centre, Kakkanad we believe that every child has the potential to facilitate, grow, communicate, and succeed in this world
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Visit us at: Mavelipuram, Kakkanad
Website: www.sparkleschool.in
Call: +91 9633201301