How screens harm your baby
Are screens harmful to babies? This question has become increasingly important in our digital age, especially for parents and caregivers. Understanding the potential risks of screen exposure is crucial for the healthy development of our little ones. Electronic screens, especially mobile phones, have become vital to our lives. For adults, they have become like part of their hands that they only let go of when sleeping. For preschoolers and children of school age, they have also become a requirement for studying and entertainment. We see many babies watching screens at a young age, and some do not stop crying until we put a phone or tablet in front of them. This article will discuss the harm that screens do to babies.
Baby brain development
A baby's brain and cognitive skills develop mainly before age two. Therefore, it is important to encourage the baby to explore his surroundings and recognize all sounds and sights. It is important for the baby to taste different flavors and to recognize the texture of different things. Playing and interacting with others is also essential for a baby to learn about the world around them. Therefore, experts advise babies under the age of two should stay away from screens as much as possible.
Can babies watch screens?
The American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines state that babies under one and a half years should not be exposed to electronic screens, except for interactive video calls with family and friends . These calls, when supervised by a parent or caregiver, can be beneficial to the child's development. The guidelines also suggest that babies between 18 and 24 months can watch screens briefly in the presence of their parents or a caregiver. This underscores the important role parents play in enhancing their child's learning, even in the digital age.
The harms of screens on babies
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, research has shown that having a TV on around a child can delay the development of young children's language, social, and emotional skills. Watching educational content with a parent or caregiver stimulates language skills in babies and toddlers. Hence, the association recommends watching an academic program with the baby for a short time as part of the family activities that parents do with their children.
A four-year study in Japan, in which researchers monitored more than seven thousand babies, showed that babies who watched screens for four hours or more a day had delayed language development, delayed in the development of problem-solving skills, social communication skills, and fine motor skills when they turned four.
Tips for Safe Screen Watching
1| The presence of an adult
A parent, nanny, or caregiver needs to be present while the child is watching an educational program on the screen to talk to him and encourage him to interact and not just watch passively.
2| Choosing the right content
Parents should carefully research the program, cartoon, or application that the child will watch and not believe the titles. Much of the content on the Internet directed at children is educational, but it is not always so.
3| Having off-screen activities
Ensure that the child does many interactive activities, plays, and moves during the day and that the screens are the smallest portion of his daily schedule, full of valuable and entertaining things.
4| Regulating screen time
It is essential to turn off all devices while eating and an hour before bed. Screens should also be kept out of bedrooms.
5| Be a role model
Turn off unused devices, put your phone aside when you are with your child, give him your full attention, and talk and play with him. These things are essential for your child’s skill development and for his mental health as well.
To sum up,
Despite the many benefits of electronic devices, they have many harmful effects when watched excessively, especially for young children and babies. It is preferable not to expose your child to screens before the age of 18 months, and when he starts watching them, it should be for an educational and interactive purpose. And do not leave the baby to passive viewing. The child needs to do several other activities, and play and run a lot during the day, and watch screens for a short period in the presence of the parents. Do not forget to talk to the pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns.
