How handheld devices are harming kid’s health

Just about anyone over the age of 35 will admit it’s a different world today than when they were kids.  Back in the day, kids spent more time outdoors using their imaginations finding fulfillment in simple things like skipping rocks on a pond. How things have changed. Today’s generation of children spend a significant amount of time holding a hand-held device or staring at a computer. 

There’s no going back on our electronically driven world. Even though many parents are battle-weary from arguing with their children on excessive use of cell phones, tablets, laptops, or playing video games, they should not give up or give in. 

Most parents would agree that firm time limits need to be set on children’s use of electronic devices and so do pediatricians. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recognizes the need to protect young brains from round-the-clock use of digital devices and electronic media. Electronic media includes everything from television to texting and other social and anti-social behavior. Here are their recommendations for setting limits on electronic use for children:

·      Children younger than 2 should not have any TV or Internet exposure.

·      Children age 2 and older should limit screen time for entertainment to less than 2 hours each day.

·      Do not allow any Internet-accessible devices or televisions in children’s bedrooms.

·      Make it a rule that no electronic devices are allowed during a meal or snack time.  This same rule also applies to adults.

Besides the risk of addiction to social media and use of the Internet and its effect on a child’s developing brain, here are other health-related hazards children are at risk for who spend more than 2 hours a day using an electronic device:

·      Poor posture, back aches, and shoulder strain

Ever caught yourself hunched over while looking at your laptop?  Your kids are doing the same thing.  Most will sit either too long or be slouching as they use the device. Not only does this lead to back and shoulder strain but their posture will suffer as well. 

·      Possible in the wrists or carpal tunnel syndrome

Texting for long periods of time, making forceful or repetitive movements while playing a video game, or twisting their wrist in an awkward way when using the computer mouse, can all lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.  Carpal tunnel syndrome is the classic overuse injury showing up as pain, stiffness or swelling in the fingers or wrist. 

·      Eye strain

Staring at an electronic screen is not a normal human thing to do.  The bright light, high screen contrast, glare and flickering images may make a video game more exciting but it can take a toll on your child’s eyes.  The same thing goes for squinting at a small hand-held device leading to eye strain.  In addition, all of us, including our kids, who are frequent users of electronic devices are at risk of dry eyes – when using them, we tend to blink less often. 

·      Headaches

Too much screen-time can result in increased headaches for kids.  This is due to a combination of muscle tension at the base of the skull along with eye strain and stress.

·      Stress

While social media can be a useful and fun tool for connecting with family and friends, for children, social media may not be as friendly.  Children can become victims of Internet bullying leading to serious mental and emotional stress.  Spending time observing other’s lives can also create feelings of jealousy, inadequacies or low self-esteem as they compare themselves with others.  Constant stressful feelings over a prolonged period of time can adversely affect the heart, sleep, digestion, and emotions.

·      Fatigue

Spending too much time on a device can not only be a brain drain but also tire out the body too.  Children who are sitting still for long periods of time are doing no favor to the health of their muscles, joints, bones and even blood circulation.  The less they move, the more tired they get.

·      Poor sleep habits

Keep all electronic devices strictly out of a child’s bedroom.  Research has confirmed that exposure to mobile phones and other devices can cause changes in brain activity and sleep disturbances. 

·      Obesity

The lack of physical activity associated with electronic devices along with poor food choices is becoming a major contributor to childhood obesity and its accompanying risks.

·      Reduced immunity

A 2011 study by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, found 92% of cell phones harbor bacteria, including 16% with the dangerous E.coli strain.  These germs can be easily transferred to kids who are using these devices.

How parents can make a difference

·      Get children to spend more time outdoors.  Active minds and active bodies stave off obesity, keep them fit and keep their minds off devices. 

·      Make kids take a five minute break after every 30-40 minutes of device time.  Their eyes need time focusing at a distance instead of prolonged time spent staring at a screen up close.

·      While they are taking their break, kids should be moving.  Get them up and moving by running, stretching, playing tag, whatever to keep their blood circulating and muscles engaged.

·      If a child is sitting in front of a computer, make sure it suits their height preventing body strain.  Invest in an ergonomic chair that can help make it more comfortable for them.