The 5 Scariest Myths About How Technology Affects Your Kids (And The Truth Behind Them)
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Parenthood is no mean feat since you are responsible for raising a good human being. And, the numerous advice that pours in from all directions doesn’t help either. In fact, tech and its negative impact on a kid’s brain is one of the favorite topics. Have people told you how TV will rot your little one’s mind? Or how video games are pure evil? If yes, you know exactly what we are talking about. Such messages might make you feel that technology is going to ruin your tiny tot’s life. But, that’s an oversimplification at its peak. The reality is not as scary and is comparatively more complicated. Here, we break down some of these scary myths for you so that you understand it as it is:
1. TV Can Rot Your Little One’s Mind
There is no credible research to prove that TV screens are harmful to a kid’s brain. But, there is a study that states how switching on television in the background can negatively affect the children. The results show that it can reduce the time little ones spend playing. This is known to be associated with less parent and child interaction, which in turn, affects the children’s language development (1). Also, refrain from keeping the TV in the kid’s room since it can have a negative impact on the amount and quality of sleep, which can further harm the children’s learning capabilities (2).
You can perhaps try and switch off the television if you aren’t using it. If you really wish to put something in the background, opt for instrumental music instead. Also, ensure you spend some quality time interacting with your little one every day.
2. Indulging In TV And Video Games Make Kids Obese
Many people suggest that there is a correlation between the amount of time spent in front of TV and childhood obesity. But, a research suggests that it is due to the kids’ exposure to food advertisements and doesn’t necessarily suggest that they are couch potatoes (3). You can try and skip videos with commercials altogether. Also, you can probably do a fun activity with the kids, where you hunt for loopholes in the advertisements and marketing gimmicks. You can encourage them to indulge in outdoor activities or find fun exercise videos on television or the internet that you can do together.
3. Radiations From Mobiles Can Cause Cancer
A lot of research has been conducted to prove this, but the results remain inconclusive until now (4). Though the scientists are still working on this, there is no tangible evidence to prove that phones can cause cancer in human beings. In any case, kids don’t spend hours talking over the phone. They will spend most of their ‘phone’ time watching videos, texting, or clicking photos. So, they will not be at much risk. However, make sure that children don’t sleep with mobiles either under or near the pillows.
4. Excessive Usage Of Tech Implies Addiction
Yet another thing for which immense research has been conducted but with no tangible results. There is not much to prove whether kids show symptoms of true addiction in such a scenario, be it interference with routine life or desire for more to achieve the same satisfaction. And, of course, what exactly encompasses “too much” is also up for debate. From your end, you can perhaps ensure that your little one is able to strike a balance between ‘screen’ time and ‘non-screen’ time. Motivate them to indulge in other activities too, be it hanging out with friends, playing, or reading, among others.
5. Kids Will Become More Violent After Playing Such Games
Many people also suggest that violent media can make kids more prone to violent behaviors. While there are a lot of contradicting opinions on this, you can maintain precautions from your end. Make sure that your kids only indulge in video games that are age-appropriate. Also, you can introduce them to the media that also reflect your family values. You can play along with them to navigate through the gory stuff. In addition, try not to expose your children to any other aggressive behavior in the house.
We hope that the information presented here put your mind to ease, even if a little bit. Just take these basic precautions and you are good to go! Best of luck, mothers!
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