2. Photo by Ben Leto (via Flickr)
Most preschoolers don't know how to tie their
shoelaces but they can understand—as if by osmosis—
how to use the latest electronic gadget. 1
3. Photo by Sean Dreilinger (via Flickr)
Young children-even toddlers-are spending
more and more time with digital technology.
4. Photo by Arne Kuilman (via Flickr)
Experts and parents applaud the fact
that technology makes learning fun
and engages kids in exploring
and problem-solving 1 .
5. Photo by Kymberly Janisch (via Flickr)
But what will it mean for their development?
6. Photo taken by Priyambada Nath (via Flickr)
Four critical factors necessary to achieve healthy
child development are movement, touch, human
connection, and exposure to nature2.
7. These types of sensory inputs
ensure normal development
of posture, bilateral coordination,
optimal arousal states and self-
regulation necessary for achieving
foundation skills for eventual
school entry2.
Photo by Artful Magpie (via Flickr)
8. Children who overuse technology are experiencing
a sensory imbalance…
Photo by Hans Splinter (via Flickr)
9. …which creates huge problems in
overall neurological development,
as the brains anatomy, chemistry and
pathways become permanently
altered and impaired2.
Photo by Bill Brooks (via Flickr)
10. The American Academy of Pediatrics and
the Canadian Society of Pediatrics state:
infants aged 0-2 years should not have
any exposure to technology, 3-5 years be
restricted to one hour per day, and 6-18
years restricted to two hours per day3.
Photo by net_efekt (via Flickr)
11. Experts who are
worried about how
immersed kids have
become in interactive
media point to studies
linking heavy screen
time to:
Photo by Michael Cramer (via Flickr)
12. Obesity - Children who are allowed a device in their
bedrooms have 30% increased incidence of obesity3 .
Photo by Christoph (via Flickr)
13. Difficulty paying attention -75% of children
aged 9 and 10 years are sleep deprived to the extent
that their grades are detrimentally impacted3.
Photo by Gergely Vida(via Flickr)
14. High speed media content can
contribute to attention deficit,
as well as decreased
concentration and memory3.
Photo by palo(via Flickr)
15. Photo by Tammy (via Flickr)
An inability to make real-world friends -
attachment to devices has sacrificed conversation
for mere connection.
16. Dulled Imagination - experts argue, digital
technology robs kids of the hands-on creative
play that's so essential for development1.
Photo by Rachel.Adams (via Flickr)
17. And Increased Aggression
Photo by Aislinn Ritchie (via Flickr)
"Children under 7 can't always differentiate between
fantasy and reality. Little kids learn from what they
see and imitate it. So if a character on screen bops
someone on the head, you may well see that same
behavior in your living room.” -Liz Perle1.
18. It's important to come together as parents,
teachers and therapists to help society "wake up"
and see the devastating effects technology is
having on our child's physical, psychological and
behavioral health…
Photo by Luis Rasilvi (via Flickr)
19. …as well on their ability to learn and sustain
personal and family relationships2.
Photo by Tim Griffin (via Flickr)
20. While no one can argue the benefits of advanced
technology in today's world, connection to these
devices may have resulted in a disconnection from
what society should value most, children2.
Photo by mhe23z (via Flickr)
21. References
[1] M. D. Rosen, "Parents," 2014. [Online]. Available:
http://www.parents.com/fun/entertainment/gadgets/is-technology-good-for-
little-kids/?page=1. [Accessed 23 May 2014].
[2] C. Rowan, "The Impact of Technology on the Developing Child," 29 May 2013.
[Online]. Available: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cris-rowan/technology-
children-negative-impact_b_3343245.html. [Accessed 23 May 2014].
[3] C. Rowan, "10 Reasons Why Handheld Devices Should be Banned for Children
Under the Age of 12," 6 March 2014. [Online]. Available:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cris-rowan/10-reasons-why-handheld-
devices-should-be-banned_b_4899218.html. [Accessed 22 March 2014].
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