Kids And iPads or Tablets
As I always say, I’m not a psychologist or medical professional, I just share my experiences as a dad and it’s up to you to do what you want with it!
From the mesmerizing glow of the screen to the allure of endless apps, iPads and tablets have become constant companions for kids in the digital age. Yet, lurking behind the convenience lies a lot of negative effects that can hinder learning and development in children.
Attention Diversion
These devices are like digital sirens, taking kids away from the real world and into a vortex of pixels and pings. As a result, attention spans suffer, making it challenging for children to focus on tasks that require sustained concentration, like reading or problem-solving. That’s why your children are sleepy or tired 5 minutes into solving a math homework.
Learning Detour
With the world at their fingertips, kids might rely on tablets for quick answers instead of nurturing critical thinking skills. Rather than exploring the depths of a topic, they skim the surface, missing out on the richness of deep learning experiences. Keep an eye on consistency of answers because they just might be getting them from the likes of “ChatGPT”.
Physical Inactivity
Engrossed in their screens, kids become inactive, trading outdoor play for indoor videos. This lack of physical activity not only impacts their health but also diminishes opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration. Kids move from enjoying the outdoors themselves to watching videos of people enjoying the outdoors and doing all kinds of crazy, stupid, and fun activities.
Sleep Disruption
Research has proven this… the blue light emitted by screens can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to sleep disturbances in children. Poor sleep quality affects cognitive function and memory retention, making it harder for kids to learn and retain information.
Social Stagnation
Interacting through screens can never replicate good old hanging out together. Excessive screen time can hinder the development of social skills like empathy, communication, and conflict resolution, leaving kids ill-equipped to navigate real-world relationships. Back in our day, the weekend was a chance to hang out with the neighborhood kids and play in the street, not catching up on the latest missions in Fortnight and Call of Duty.
Folks, while iPads and tablets offer undeniable benefits — and as an EdTech specialist, I know this first hand — it’s crucial to set limits and encourage a balanced (and supervised) approach to screen time. My personal advice is to take electronics out of the equation completely during school days and allow them in small intervals during the weekend (not exceeding one hour per day and no longer than 20 minutes each).
We need to prioritize real-world experiences, outdoor play, and hands-on learning that can help our children thrive in both the real and digital worlds without sacrificing their development.
Well folks, with this Verbal Breakdown, till the next one, keep it safe, keep it real, and keep it simple.
Ralph
Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and not to the author’s employer, organization, committee, or other group or individual.
