Technology Black-Out for
Children Under Age 12
Update title: No
iPads for Your Child - March 15, 2017
By Barrington H. Brennen,
Original September 2, 2014
PDF Format
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Barrington H. Brennen |
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I
wrote this in 2017 "I
must talk again about a great concern of mine. It is see
so many little children habitually using electronic
devices like iPads, tablets, smartphone, etc. Far too
many parents are giving their little ones these devises
mostly to boast their own egos and to show their friends
and family that they have “smart children” and that they
can afford such expensive “toys.” More and more the
research is telling us that it is very unwise to give
our children these devises. This subject is so serious I
must repeat it so more parents can understand."
If there is a time in a person’s life that one should be
very cautious about the use of technology (iPads,
tablets, smart phones, computers, tablets, televisions)
it is between the ages of 0 and 12. Recent research is
telling us that overuse of technology is doing more
damage than good to the brains of the developing
children. While parent are proud of seeing their little
two and three year olds swiping the screens of the iPads
or smart phones we know now that might not be something
really to be happy about. Research is telling us that
the use or overuse of technology is not making our
children smarter and might be stunting their physical
and intellectual development.
When
I was ten years old, I never could have imagined that fifty
years later I would be holding a television in my hand or
having small, hand-held devises on which I can play
electronic games, connect to the world, watch the news, etc.
while I am walking or running. Although these devices are
of great advantage and evidence of an advanced society, over
use is proving detrimental, especially for children. In a
May 2014 Cris Rowan, pediatric occupational therapist wrote
an article in the Huffington Post entitled “10 Reasons Why
Handheld Devices Should Be Banned for Children Under the Age
of 12.” It gives a research report by the American Academy
of Pediatrics and the Canadian Society of Pediatrics on the
dangers of overuse of technology. The article starts by
giving the recommended lengths of time each age group should
use these devices. The report states that “infants aged
0-2 years should not have any exposure to technology
(no TV, computers, or hand-held devices), 3-5 years be
restricted to one hour per day, and 6-18 years restricted to
2 hours per day” This parallels with a previous research
that states that infants ages 0-2 should not watch
television.”
INSULTING BEHAVIOR
I
have observed that a large percentage of the children who
use hand-held devices (iPad, tablets, etc.) are developing
poor social skills and etiquette. When they are using their
devices they do not pay attention to their surroundings and
acknowledge people around them. They keep on swiping their
devices when being spoken to and not even aware that they
are insulting others around them. Even when they are
walking to the church door or shop they are continually
using the device. Without the device they are board and
restless. They cannot sit quietly longer than a few seconds
before picking up the device again. It is embarrassing and
insulting behavior. Parents, you must put and end to
this.
BAN TECHNOLOGY USE FOR THOSE UNDER AGE 12
Cris
Rowan, “is calling on parents, teachers and governments to
ban the use of all handheld devices for children under the
age of 12 years.” Here are a few of the reasons for the
ban I am quoting directly from the report. Parents with
little one, read carefully.
Reason 1
“Between 0 and 2 years, infants’ brains triple in size,
and continue in a state of rapid development to 21 years
of age. Early brain development is determined by
environmental stimuli, or lack thereof. Stimulation to a
developing brain caused by overexposure to technologies
(cell phones, internet, iPads, TV), has been shown to be
associated with executive functioning and attention
deficit, cognitive delays, impaired learning, increased
impulsivity and decreased ability to self-regulate,
e.g., tantrums”
Reason 2
“Technology use
restricts movement, which can result in delayed
development. One in three children now enter school
developmentally delayed, negatively impacting literacy
and academic achievement. Movement enhances attention
and learning ability. Use of technology under the age of
12 years is detrimental to child development and
learning.”
Reason 3
“Sleep Deprivation. 60% of parents do not supervise
their child's technology usage, and 75% of children are
allowed technology in their bedrooms (Kaiser Foundation
2010). 75% of children aged 9 and 10 years are sleep
deprived to the extent that their grades are
detrimentally impacted”
Reason 4
“Mental Illness. Technology overuse is implicated as a
causal factor in rising rates of child depression,
anxiety, attachment disorder, attention deficit, autism,
bipolar disorder, psychosis and problematic child
behavior. One in six Canadian children have a diagnosed
mental illness, many of whom are on dangerous
psychotropic medication.”
Reason 5
“Aggression.
Violent media content can
cause child aggression.
Young children are increasingly exposed to rising
incidence of physical and sexual violence in today's
media. . . The U.S. has categorized media violence as a
Public Health Risk due to causal impact on child
aggression. Media reports increased
use of restraints and seclusion rooms with children who
exhibit uncontrolled aggression.”
Reason 6
“Digital dementia.
High speed media content can contribute to attention
deficit, as well as decreased concentration and memory,
due to the brain pruning neuronal
tracks to
the frontal cortex. Children who can't pay attention
can't learn.”
Reason 7
“Addictions.
As parents attach more and more to technology, they are
detaching from their children. In the absence of
parental attachment, detached children can attach to
devices, which can result in addiction. One
in 11 children
aged 8-18 years are addicted to technology.”
WHAT ARE PARENTS TO DO?:
Parents, it is time you take charge. If you have not been
sucked in to the technology culture, do not purchase your
tiny ones any iPads or smart phones at this time. Wait
until they start junior high. If your little child below
the age of twelve is currently a hand-held device junkie
then sit with the child and inform him or her that you will
be restricting the use from now on. Follow the suggestions
mentioned earlier in this article regarding recommended
length of times etc. When your child is old enough to use
an iPad make sure you are the one who controls what it is
used for. Do not give the child the passwords for the Apps
Store, etc. Introduce other physical and mental activities
that will promote a more wholesome development. Make sure
you child spends ample time outdoors everyday. Establish a
“Technology Black-Out Time” in your home when no one will
use electronic equipment, including the television. This
can be an entire week or one day out of the week year
round. Parent’s, learn how to use technology to advance
wholesome learning and development. Remember, over use of
technology will cause serious “pains in but” and no amount
painkillers will be able to ease the turmoil.
Barrington H. Brennen is a marriage and family therapist and
board certified clinical psychotherapist, USA. Send your
questions or comments to barringtonbrennen@gmail.com or
write to P.O. Box CB-13019, Nassau, The Bahamas, or visit www.soencouragement.org or
call 242-327-1980 or 242-477-4002
