In recent years, in parallel with the widespread use of mobile phones, tablets and computers in the world and in our country, technology addiction in children is increasingly seen. Unfortunately, technological devices that they almost never let go of throughout the day can pose a great threat to children. Dr. Leyla Yolar, a Child Health and Diseases Specialist, drew attention to the fact that technology addiction is common in children between the ages of 3 and 6, and explained the 4 important dangers that await children addicted to technology.
The main reason for technology addiction to start at a very young age is that parents allow their children to spend more time on the internet due to work or other responsibilities. Another important factor is that methods of education through entertainment increase the time spent in front of the screen…
THREE RULES AGAINST ADDICTION ARE VERY IMPORTANT
In order to prevent technology addiction in children, parents should pay special attention to three rules, says Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Leyla Yolar, “The first precaution you should take is to limit screen time according to your child’s age. You should arrange these limits in a way that leaves enough time for sleep, studying and social activities. If your child is under 18 months, you should keep them away from the screen completely. Between 18 and 24 months, limit the time to 20 minutes under your supervision; between 2 and 5 years old, limit it to a maximum of one hour. If they are older, definitely set a time limit. As parents, it is also very important to be a good role model for your child in technology use.” Stating that suggesting attractive activities to your child is the second important rule, Dr. Leyla Yolar continues her words as follows: “Encourage your child to do activities that interest them, such as sports, playing games outside, painting and music, to ensure that they spend time away from technological devices. The third rule is to make your child aware of the bullying they may encounter in the virtual environment and the health problems that may develop due to prolonged screen use.”
Pointing out that eye diseases, obesity, posture disorders and mental problems are more common in children in parallel with the increase in technology addiction, Dr. Yolar made important suggestions and warnings to parents…
Eye disorders
Staring at a screen for a long time causes the eye muscles to work harder than normal. Because when the eyes focus on the screen, the eye muscles are forced to constantly contract and relax, which can lead to eye strain. Symptoms of eye strain include pain, burning, stinging, dryness, watering and itching in the eyes, blurred vision and frequent blinking. This condition can also lead to permanent eye problems such as myopia in the future or excessive light sensitivity called photophobia and discomfort in bright environments.
How should we take precautions?
Make sure the computer screen is slightly below eye level and approximately 60 cm away.
Provide good lighting, i.e. avoid excessively bright light or dark environments.
Use screen filters.
Get regular eye exams at least once a year.
Postural disorder
Children’s exposure to digital technological devices at an early age and their uncontrolled use for long periods of time can cause posture disorders. Due to the rapidity of growth and development, changes in the spine occur most in school age. Staying in the wrong position for a long time due to the use of mobile phones, tablets and computers can trigger unnecessary muscle contractions as well as spasms in the shoulder, back and neck muscles. It can also reduce the effectiveness of biomechanical functions and weaken soft tissues. In addition, it can cause pain in the elbow, hand and wrist and, as a result, movement restrictions. More importantly, constantly leaning forward and staying in the same position for a long time can cause a hunchback in the spine in the future.
How should we take precautions?
Take advantage of the ergonomic desk and desk chair.
To prevent a hunchback posture, you can use waist and back corsets after consulting an orthopedic physician.
Take breaks every 30 minutes and do some relaxation exercises to stretch your muscles, such as taking a short walk or changing positions.
Mental problems
Technology addiction can also negatively affect children’s mental health. Especially in children with virtual game addiction; problems such as depression and anxiety, concentration problems, lack of self-confidence, social development regression, speech disorders and aggressive behavior are frequently seen. It is enough for children between the ages of 3-6 to focus on the screen for 15-20 minutes. Exceeding this time on the internet can cause attention deficit in children over time. In case of excessive use, face-to-face communication skills decrease and their social development can also weaken. In addition, children can develop serious problems such as introversion, feeling lonely, depression or anxiety due to the bullying they may encounter in the virtual environment.
How should we take precautions?
In order to keep your child away from the internet, it would be beneficial to plan alternative activities that they can enjoy outside of social media. Regular physical activities will reduce your child’s stress and positively affect their spiritual development. Therefore, you can suggest a sport that your child is interested in, nature walks or activities with friends that will also develop their social skills, and help them develop a hobby. In addition, increasing communication within the family and the time you spend together will contribute significantly to your child’s spiritual and mental development.
Obesity
One of the problems caused by technology addiction in children is obesity, which is a significant disease of our age. Many factors such as decreased physical activity due to increased time spent in front of the screen, psychosocial problems and sleep problems, disruption of the diet and increased consumption of unhealthy foods due to exposure to advertisements pose a risk for obesity.
How should we take precautions?
Make sure he exercises for at least one hour a day and increase his physical activity.
Create fixed routines regarding daily activities and eating habits.
Do not keep tablets, mobile phones and televisions in the bedroom.