In this modern era, kids have shifted from traditional toys to electronic gadgets and smartphones to pass their time and satisfy their curiosity. The habit of observing new things and continuously interacting with different kinds of objects makes them a quick learner, which is why the children now can operate a smartphone better than most people.
Many people disagree with the fact that their kids should be exposed to all the gadgets and technologies at such a young age as it can be very addicting for them. But, the use of these gadgets is so frequent that it is not possible to completely stop using them. This is why they need to accept that technology has now become a part of life rather than being a luxury. The use of devices like television or gadgets used in the pre-school facilities have now become a part of our daily lives and cannot be disposed of. Even though there might be a lot of negatives about exposing your children with smartphones, you can also find some positives about it. However, the big question is, when is the right time to introduce your children to these gadgets?
This article will help you look at both the negatives and positives of the effects that children have when they get used to smartphones from a young age.
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What is the perfect age?
All the parents come across a time when they want to be sure before handing over smartphones in the hands of their children. Parents affect the way kids end up using smartphones; thus, it is essential to choose the correct time before introducing them to electronic gadgets.
Surfing the internet to find opinions about this problem might not be the best idea. There are numerous different studies that have opposite views regarding this matter. While some say that introducing smartphones to children as young as two would help them develop faster, others say that you should wait until your child reaches the preschool age. In some cases, people can’t keep their children away from smartphones as their preschools, and junior schools already possess such electronic gadgets to teach them.
You need to understand that the world is progressing in terms of technology, and we should try and keep up with it. Excluding devices like television and smartphones is not the solution. Instead, parents should help their kids make positive use of such technologies. Guiding them towards the proper use of these gadgets will not only help them develop but will also increase their productivity. In order to do so, you should limit the time your children are spending on smartphones. Limiting them to only a one hour use of these gadgets will help them, to both learn faster and to make proper use of it
With the increase in their age, you can expand the time limit accordingly while stretching the deadlines now and then. This would make your kid disciplined and will also let them enjoy these new gadgets and learn from them. But this rule may differ from child to child. If you observe that your child is using smartphones in a correct manner, you can even prolong the timings without waiting for them to grow up. Every child has their own requirements and likings, and the parents should react accordingly.
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Parental guidance suggestions
Parents need to take caution while introducing these gadgets to their children. The time constraint is important, but the content they watch is equally significant. Mistakes made by parents at this period of time can lead to serious consequences that can last a lifetime. Instead of introducing them to read books, you can let them read virtual books present on the internet. These books are not only attractive to the children but carry equal knowledge as well so that the children lean towards smartphones.
Nowadays, there are specific applications available on the Play Store, which cover all the necessary topics you need to teach your kids. Such applications are key to making children lean towards learning on smartphones rather than just using it to entertain themselves.
Apart from all the time constraints, the distance from which kids use these devices is of equal importance. Using these devices, close to your eyes, can damage them in the long run. Also, certain devices emit radiations from them, which if kept in contact on a frequent basis, can prove to be very dangerous.
People generally feel that if their kids have grown to a certain age, they cannot limit them from using smartphones. This is not true as some rules can help you keep them in control. You can block specific pages you don’t want your kids to access. Set some ground rules as they cannot use smartphones as soon as they return from school, or they need to give their smartphones by 9 or 10 pm every day.
Advantages and disadvantages of introducing your children to smartphones
Giving your children smartphones have both advantages and disadvantages as well. Some of the crucial points you must consider before taking this decision are.
Main disadvantages:
- If not kept at a safe distance, excess use of these gadgets might harm their eyesight.
- Certain use of applications can cause stress in children. This will, in turn, affect your children in a negative way.
- Excessive exposure to screen light can cause sleeping disorders in children.
- Using smartphones from a very young age consumes their majority of the time, which further affects their social skills.
Main advantages:
- Smartphones give you seamless access to the internet, which at any given point of time, is an infinite source of information.
- With proper use, children use their smartphones to read books. This would help them develop different skills.
- Handing over electronic gadgets to the children before their preschool-age can prepare them to use all the devices beforehand. These devices are now used in most preschools, and if your child is already familiar with them, it will help him learn faster.
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