Today’s children are the first generation to grow up being surrounded by technology from even before they are born.
They not only see their parents use technology for hours every day, but they are also themselves learning how to use iPads and smartphones long before they can walk or talk.
The problem with this – and it is a massive problem according to the expert – is that conventional toys are being shunned more and more in favour of digital ones, and it turns out this has a devastating effect on our children’s health.
According to a new Australian study, too much time spent on iPads and similar touchscreen devices could result in the muscles and bones of young children not developing properly.
The study tracked children over their first five years of their lives to see how use of devices affects their physical, mental and social development.
Physiotherapy Professor Leon Straker of Curtin University in Perth concluded that the children who used iPads moved their upper limbs and whole body less in a 15 minute period than when they played with toys, (but more than when they watched TV.) In fact, playing with regular toys resulted in six times more movement of the upper limbs as opposed to watching TV and three times as much as when using an iPad or similar tablet.
‘”We are concerned that the very enticing touch screen devices will lead to children’s muscles and bones not developing well for two reasons.” Straker explained to MailOnline Australia.
“One, they may spend more time sitting rather than running around and playing and miss the stimulus this provides to build strong muscles and bones and two, they may spend more time in a poor neck posture with little neck movement which may make them more vulnerable to neck pain.”
Other similar studies have highlighted the impact of children using electronic devices on their weight and attention spans, compared with traditional play.
To avoid screen time becoming a health issue, Straker recommended young children spend only short periods of time on touch tablets, with 15 minutes being a maximum.
Official guidelines used by the Australian Department of Health recommend children under the age of two years see no screens at all, and children aged between five and 17 limit screen time to less than two hours a day.
Does YOUR children spent more than the recommended time on tablets or smartphones? Have you noticed any negative effects from this? Let us know in the comments or tweet us at @Herfamilydotie
