Can too much use of electronic devices harm a child's brain?

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Children use electronic devices in all forms, including TVs, computers and smartphones, which can affect emotions, learning, thinking and behaviour, most recently the brain. So you need to help your child develop healthy electronic device habits from an early age.

1. Research on harmful effects of electronic devices on young children

According to a new study, children who use electronic devices for more than 1 hour a day may have brain disorders and are less developed than children who do not use electronic devices. It is likely that the cause is not electronic devices, but children no longer spend time playing motor games and interacting with real people, thereby affecting brain development.
This is the latest in many studies conducted over the past few years on the harmful effects of excessive use of electronic devices in children, including decreased attention span, hyperactivity, ADHD. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), aggressive behavior, trouble sleeping, weight gain, and unhealthy habits.
Specifically, researchers used MRI machines to scan the brains of 47 healthy boys and girls aged 3 to 5 years old, none of whom had yet started kindergarten. They also gave the children cognitive tests to measure literacy and language skills.
Meanwhile, parents of children participating in the survey will answer questions about how often their children use electronic devices, when they use them, what content is often displayed on the screen, and whether parents are compatible. interact with your child while he or she is playing a game or watching a video.
Results, compared with children with little or no time to use electronic devices, children who used electronic devices more than 1 hour a day without parental interaction had:
Gray matter in the brain underdeveloped. Gray matter is important for language, literacy, and brain development. Lots of chaotic gray matter. This means that a child's brain cannot function as quickly, because gray matter helps the brain "communicate" with itself and other parts of the body. Reading and language skills on cognitive tests were poor.

2. Things to keep in mind when letting children use electronic devices

But before you blame yourself for allowing your 3-year-old to watch the animated episode “Peppa Pig” while busy cooking dinner, note the following points:
This study was small and the results only preliminary. More studies are needed before scientists can draw conclusions. Research does not prove that the amount of time children spend with electronic devices causes problems with brain development. There may be other influencing factors, such as living environment, parental stress and education level. A pediatrician and clinical researcher explains that the cause of poor brain development may not be due to electronics. Too much screen time limits other activities, such as playing and talking, which are important for children's brain development. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) doctor says parents should see the news as an opportunity to double up on real-life activities for their kids to build their brains. Helpful suggestions include reading, singing, sharing feelings, creating, going for a walk, and having fun together.
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In addition, you can refer to the guide to screen time for children and create a family plan for their own online, as well as learn strategies to manage screen time die at home. Specifically as follows:
Children under 2 years old: Very limited use of electronic devices and only open when an adult is around to watch, talk and explain. Children aged 18 - 24 months: If you want to teach your child to use electronic devices, choose high-quality programs and watch them together, avoid letting them use them alone. Children from 2 to 5 years old: Limit children to use electronic devices to no more than 1 hour per day and watch together with children to interact, ensure educational and useful content, no violent content. At the same time, find other practical activities for your child to do that are physically and mentally beneficial.

The use of smart devices should match your parenting style and not affect family values. When used optimally, they can enhance the quality of everyday life. But when used improperly or thoughtlessly, the harm of using electronic devices is to replace many important activities such as face-to-face interaction, family bonding, outdoor play, exercise. , time to rest really.
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Reference source: babycenter.com