How children stay calm with electronics and why it directly affects their development

Today technology is part of everyday life for all adults; the constant search for information and the need for quick answers make the cell phone, computer or TV fundamental. This urgency for knowledge would not be different with children, since they already know how to use electronic devices and look for what they want from a young age.

This technology that helps us so much can also be worrying for children’s development.

At the awesome.club We are going to show you some information that may be useful so that the use of electronics does not harm your little one.

A survey carried out by the Maria Cecilia Souto Vidigal Foundation informs that children’s development is directly linked to an affectionate, safe and stimulating family environment.

If there is no limitation on the use of electronics, children do not deal with boredom, they become impatient, they do not know how to wait, and therefore, they have difficulties in organizing their thoughts when asked to do simple and practical activities. In addition, the constant stimulation of these devices means that they do not have “free time” to be creative.

Meals are a great time for family interaction, right? According to this study, the use of electronic devices at the “dining table” is harmful for everyone and especially for children who, when distracted by the displayed content, do not taste the food and lose the notion of satiety.

Making the little ones participate in food preparation is a great alternative for them to develop their curiosity to try new flavors, as well as creating creative dishes with different ways of preparing the same food can also be effective.

Several hormones are linked to sleep, for example GH (growth) and cortisol (emotional stability and inflammation control). According to this research, in the long term, lack of sleep reduces these hormones and this can directly affect the development of the child.

The use of a cell phone or TV before going to sleep causes brain stimulation by the content reproduced and also by the light of the device. As a result, the child takes longer to fall asleep, consequently waking up more often during the night and resting less.

An option that can help in this regard is to reduce the intensity of the light emitted, keep the device out of the bedroom, since the possibility of receiving a message is enough to disrupt sleep and not use it between 30 minutes and 2 hours before bedtime. go to bed.

Usually when we turn on the TV or hand a cell phone to children, they are calm to pay attention to the content that is passing.

According to an extensive article on the subject, published by the BBC, this happens because the drawings are made especially for this audience. They use flashy colors, big eyes, food-shaped characters (which often have no meaning for adults, but for little ones it makes perfect sense), make repetitions (whether numbers, letters or even scenes) and in addition , children don’t have to struggle to create play situations, they can simply sit back and pay attention to something ready-made.

Family time is essential for the child’s development and bonding with parents, according to this research. By dedicating some of your time to your little one, he will feel welcomed and safe to explore new things. In addition to this family time, creative play with other children is essential, as practice is one of the pillars of child development.

According to this opinion article, children generally look to adults for a model to be followed, which is why it is important to encourage them to be curious, to explore the world and face any obstacles that may arise, since, above all, we are the ones who we will be by their side to support them in case of need, right?

The rules and routine of the house are created by the parents, but an alternative for the use of electronics to be controlled and monitored is to include the child in the decision of activities.

Sit down with her and make a list of daily activities, separating time for studying, playing with friends, using electronics, reading, going for a walk… so, the child feels that she is part of the decisions and understands that cell phone, TV or electronics, generally speaking, they are not meant to be used all the time.

For each age group, the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics recommends a number of hours per day of screen use.

Provided that this indication is followed, the benefits will be mutual. Children are entertained and with that, parents can do household chores. By watching together, parents and children create conversations and bonds; in addition to being a time of fun and distraction, children can also have more to talk about with their friends.

Up to 2 years: completely avoid exposure to screens, even passively;

Between 2 and 5 years old: limit screen time to a maximum of one hour a day, always with the supervision of parents, guardians or caregivers;

Between 6 and 10 years old: limit screen time to a maximum of one to two hours a day, always with the supervision of parents or guardians;

Over 11 years old: limit screen time and games to a maximum of two to three hours a day, and never let “up all night” playing.

Is your child calm or quiet when watching something? Tell us in the comments if there are rules for electronics in your house or not. And don’t forget to share this article!