It is clear that we live in a society where technology is part of our evolution, therefore, we must not distance ourselves from it and refuse it but rather learn to use it in a healthy way by educating our children to know how to use and manage it at each stage of their development.
We understand how difficult daily life can be, the stress, the rush, or the need for time for certain things, but with work and patience we can achieve responsible use of screens and find in them a source of work and play for our little ones.
It's important to keep in mind that sometimes excessive stimulation in certain apps, games, videos, etc., can be quite harmful to our children in the long run. They become accustomed to a certain level of stimulation, far exceeding what's necessary, making it impossible to maintain attention. Therefore, the amount of time they spend playing a virtual game isn't a positive indicator of attention and concentration. We could say that rather than being focused, they might be completely absorbed, failing to stimulate the effort and work involved in this crucial cognitive process of attention.
"When young children are looking at screens, they can miss important opportunities to practice and master interpersonal, motor, and communication skills.""A Canadian study says"
The overuse of these devices delays speech development and harms the sleep of young children, an essential element during this period.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the recommended screen time for children is as follows:
• 0 – 2 years: No screens
• 2 – 5 years: Between half an hour and one hour a day
• 7-12 years: one hour with an adult present. Never during mealtimes.
• 12-15 years: One and a half hours. Be very careful with social media.
• Ages 16+: Two hours. Bedrooms must not have screens.
The most important thing is that screens do not interfere with children's normal lives, family time, exercise, or sleep.
The AAP also recommends following guidelines regarding places and times when screens cannot be used. It is very important to create routines from a young age, and that these rules are verbalized or clearly visible to the children in the family.
• Do not use mobile phones or screens one hour before going to sleep.
• Do not use mobile phones or tablets while eating.
• Set aside a “family time” when no family member uses them (this could be weekend mornings, the hour before school).
• While doing schoolwork.
• While at school.
• While crossing the street.
• In the car (except on long journeys).
• Do not use mobile phones in the stroller or pram.
Even so, during the holiday period we suggest the following applications for working with your little ones:
• Loopimal
• Boo owl
• Shape builder
• Iwawa (for parental control) blocking inappropriate pages, usage control…
• Alex learns to tidy up
From Aspademis we wish you happy holidays!