In this modern era, children having laptops and mobiles are no longer a rare phenomenon. Over the past recent years, technology has grown rapidly, and companies have begun making tablets, laptops, and smartphones for children. One positive aspect of these gadgets is that it gives a new form of learning and playing activities previous generations did not have. However, studies have proved that children who use mobiles and laptops at bedtime are at double risk of poor sleep.
Harmful effects of usage of mobiles and laptops at bedtime
Although mobiles and laptops can tempt your children at bedtime, this distraction is really not worth risking. Continuous screen time on laptops and mobiles can have adverse consequences. Some of them are
1} Poor Sleep: Although severely undervalued, sleep is an important part of children’s development. Usage of mobiles and laptops at bedtime causes a double risk of poor sleep. Regular lack of sleep can cause many health disorders.
2} Poor diet Weak immune system: Lack of sleep causes a low appetite. Hence your little one lacks in nutrition and develops a weak immune system.
3} Sedative Behaviour and mental health issues: Prolonged usage of laptops and mobiles at bedtime can have a detrimental effect on sleep and behaviour in children. Children become more withdrawn and sedative in the behaviour causing mental health issues.
Age at which screen time should start
Today, it is very easy for even babies and toddlers to use smartphones and tablets due to the touch screen technology. Doctors are concerned about how the continuous usage of mobile and laptops can affect sleep patterns and children’s rapidly developing brains. Research states that overexposure can cause an impact on attention and concentration.
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It is advised that children under two should not spend any time on smartphones, tablets, or laptops. Continuous usage of smartphones and tablets can hamper their milestones and physical activity like crawling, walking, climbing, talking, and exploring her new world. Children also tend to become overweight due to a sedentary lifestyle.
Physical play contributes to physical, mental, and cognitive development. Your baby also needs to interact with other children which is crucial for social development. Children above 2 can be exposed under limits to mobiles, tablets, and laptops.
How much time should my child spend with mobiles and laptops?
Children below 2 should not have any screen time at all. For children older than 2, a maximum of 2 to 3 hours a day can be allowed. Be prepared to distract your child when it is getting too much. After the fixed screen time, engage him in other physical and mental activities that will keep both his body and mind working. Avoid handing over laptops and mobiles to your little one while feeding. Your child will be too distracted and will not eat well.
Sleep irregularities during childhood can cause severe physical and mental health consequences. Lack of sleep psychologically stimulates the brain affecting alertness, circadian timing, and sleep physiology. It is important to ensure that you take extreme precautions when you expose your children to mobiles, tablets and laptops. Control his screen time in the beginning so that it is not too late! A well slept and well-rested child can have good health and achieve a lot in life.
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The Champa Tree says
Gone are the days when we used to limit laptop usage to half n hour..once the pandemic hit, it has become impossible to push through without gadgets. Your post is a nudge in the right direction,
Sandy N Vyjay says
The amount of screen time that kids should have is a matter of great debate and interest. But yes at bedtime the distraction of mobile and laptops should be kept away, and more importantly parents need to set an example.
Paresh Godhwani says
I totally agree with all the points you have mentioned. It is a reality check for the parents who sit with the laptop during bedtime with the kids around.
Heena Dhedhi says
This is so insightful, We as parents tend to give in to kids and never realise how much each of our actions may affect them.