Toddlers are amazing, interesting, fun, and beautiful little creatures. They bring joy and happiness to every family. With their needs and demands, they control our lives.
Parents often raise toddlers by the book nowadays. They have guidelines for every parenting habit, and they often get help from books or the Internet about toddlers regarding things like:
- Eating routine
- Hygiene
- Clothes
- Books
- Toys
- Tech usage
Raising Toddlers With Screens
Experience has shown that parents manage toddlers more easily now with the help of tech devices. We put our toddlers in from of screens and feed them, play video games together, draw, craft, and read online.
By using tech, we gain more free time and let devices “raise” our children. But even though technology can be used productively, most of the time it causes negative effects, such as addiction.
Supporting only the positive usage of tech can help our toddlers grow into responsible and ambitious people capable of facing life challenges.
Negative Effects of Screen Time on Toddlers
The toddler’s brain is like a sponge. It receives and processes information fast and memorizes it. Also, when using tech, a hormone called dopamine is secreted which can cause addiction.
Studies show that 50% of children are addicted to tech. Potential harms caused by excessive screen time are as follows:
- Negative behavior and frequent tantrums;
- Lowered ability and need to speak;
- Obesity and fitness problems as a result of sitting for too long;
- Digital characters become role models for our toddlers, not parents;
- Isolation in a virtual world;
- Trust issues with parents;
- Poor mental and cognitive development;
- Lack of Focus;
- Unawareness of healthy eating and hygiene habits;
That was a long list. Now, let’s cover in detail all these things in the following paragraphs.
Technology as a Factor for Causing Mental Disorders
Exposure to inappropriate content on the Internet can trigger several psychological problems in toddlers, such as panic attacks, fear, bipolar disorder, nervousness, depression, and anxiety. Physical and mental problems multiply if toddlers are obsessed with screen usage.
A popular opinion among scientists and other experts is that technology can’t directly cause mental disorders, but it can enhance the chances of children developing these conditions.
For example, some research has shown that screen usage can be a causing factor in OCD in children.
Social Isolation
Toddlers that overuse tech can develop a bad personality and suffer from a lack of self-esteem. That’s because kids don’t interact while watching tech. Instead, they just watch and follow instructions.
Moreover, toddlers make cartoon character friends instead of befriending other toddlers. And because of the rise of tech nowadays, the population of introverts has risen to 40%.
Physical Health Problems
Sitting in one place for hours and staring at the screen for hours can engage your child in unhealthy eating habits.
Also, children should be active and in nature when they’re young. Overuse of tech can cause children to lower their fitness levels and hinder their development.
On the other hand, research says that sunlight is beneficial for your children’s eyesight. And as much as we know, phones don’t emit sunlight.
Lack of Role Models
When children constantly use tech, they’ll forget about us, parents. You must be present in your toddler’s growth process, helping it overcome daily tasks and problems.
More and more children nowadays learn more from cartoons or content creators than from their parents. And that is alarming!
Benefits of No Screen Time for Toddlers
Kids manifest healthier behavior when raised without or with reduced screen time. The proper usage of digital devices can help children grow into knowledgeable people.
In the following paragraphs, we’ll go over some ways tech benefits children’s development.
Chance to Improve Social Skills
Toddlers are happy and entertained with family and friends. They talk, think, and share thoughts. Verbal communication is irreplaceable.
Children get less shy and try to improve their communication skills, even if they make mistakes.
Toddlers that are free of screens are confident and develop language skills. They want to listen to stories, books, and family games.
Embracing Creativity and Gaining Knowledge in Nature
Creativity is a skill that is best embraced when children aren’t using tech. Singing, playing an instrument, drawing, painting, and making crafts are all tech-free activities children can pick up.
On the other hand, by exploring nature and being led by curiosity, your toddler can find out a lot about the great outdoors.
Activities That Can Keep Kids Safe From Tech
Toddlers want to know everything. Parents can use cards to learn numbers and letters and draw sketches, plants, and animals together with toddlers. Playing board games like Monopoly and chess can develop thinking and analyzing skills.
Outdoor activities are also really beneficial for young children. Being present parents improve your kids’ feelings, empathy, and trust.
Tips for Reducing Screen Time for Toddlers
Parent plans must include monthly strategies to keep their kids’ tech usage limited and safe. In the following paragraphs, we’ll look at methods to limit your toddlers’ screen time.
Setting Rules and Examples
Parents must teach their kids that rules are made to be respected by all family members. You can check on your toddlers’ digital activity by using parental control apps. Young children shouldn’t be allowed to do whatever they want.
The best way to make sure your children listen to you is by setting yourself as an example. Toddlers learn by imitating your behavior.
Conclusion
Don’t let your toddlers waste their time on screen activities, and encourage them to play with creative toys, engage in verbal communication, spend time out, and motivate them to learn.
Raising a kid with standards to study and develop will result in a strong, powerful, and knowledgeable personality. Invest in your kid’s character and learning!
FAQ
Does screen time affect children’s brain development?
Screen time harms kids’ brain development by limiting their capability to think creatively because content on tech is often repetitive.
What are the symptoms of too much screen time in kids?
Kids display strange behavior, are obsessed with tech gadgets, are addicted to videos and games, and are nervous and anxious when we take tech away from them.
What effects does TV have on toddlers?
TV is recommended for kids if they watch educational, creative, and music shows, but limited and monitored by their parents or guardians. According to experts, any other use of TV can cause negative effects on toddlers.
Is it possible to raise a child without technology?
It is not possible to raise a kid without tech because tech devices are like a toothbrush (we can’t live without them). But we can limit screen time and most importantly, teach our kids to productively use tech.
ALSO READ: What Should You Do if Your Child Receives Inappropriate Content or Messages Online
