2023-12-26 17:06:35
Technology has become indispensable in our lives. From tools that make our work tasks easier to leisure devices, these devices inexorably take over our routine. Children and adolescents are not exempt from this trend and more and more parents are concerned about irresponsible or harmful use for them.
“The starting age at which children begin to use mobile phones can vary depending on culture, family, and individual and family circumstances,” says Èlia Sasot Ibáñez, specialist in child and adolescent clinical psychology at the Teknon Medical Center. However, in general, children begin to use them at increasingly younger ages.
Various studies postulate that the use of phones and screens should be very limited and supervised until the age of five, “since it is a crucial stage for the physical, emotional and social development of children,” says the expert. Inappropriate employment can lead to negative effects such as sleep problems, difficulties in acquiring social skills or language delays.
Main consequences
Although mobile devices have undeniable benefits whose positive effects have had a notable impact on the daily lives of families, their irresponsible use implies risks for the mental, physical and social health of young people.
Elia Sasot Ibáñez
Specialist in clinical child and adolescent psychology at the Teknon Medical Center
“These children and adolescents have more difficulties disconnecting that generate changes in behavior, such as irritability or anxiety when the device is restricted.”
“Excessive use of these devices interferes with and neglects their responsibilities, school, social and daily life activities.”
Exposure to inappropriate or violent content, a worsening of academic performance, difficulties sleeping, perpetrating lies or secrets about the activities carried out online or a decrease in in-person interactions to the detriment of those carried out on mobile phones are other the risks to which the young person is exposed.
The recommendations
Restrictions or advice to children and adolescents should be based on the child’s maturity, their particularities, and parental supervision to limit the use of these devices. Educating in the safe and responsible use of technology from an early age and encouraging critical thinking about online content is crucial for the child’s subsequent development, highlights Èlia Sasot Ibáñez.
For this reason, establishing and agreeing on screen time limits to promote social relationships and spend quality time at home is one of the essential recommendations to maintain communication and a healthy family bond. For the specialist, it is essential to “encourage open communication so that they feel comfortable sharing their experiences online and can explain to us if they have experienced any uncomfortable situations.”
“It is essential to encourage open communication so that they feel comfortable sharing their experiences ‘online’
Likewise, educational applications that promote learning are a great alternative to introduce the use of screens to children in a healthy way. Ensuring that they do not access inappropriate or violent content, setting a good example in front of them with electronic devices, educating them about the importance of privacy and staying informed of online trends are other tips of capital importance for healthy use of mobile phones and of screens in general.
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