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The benefits and harms of gadgets for children: the opinion of doctor Lyudmila Artyushkevich
30.05.2023 08:15
Tablets and smartphones have become an integral part of our existence. We use them for communication, work, learning, creativity and leisure.
It is not surprising that children follow our example.
Why do children prefer the virtual world to the real one and are carried away by gadgets? This question was answered by the doctor of the HappyDerm medical center Lyudmila Artyushkevich , highlighting the pros and cons of use.
One of the advantages of gadgets is the brightness, imagery and dynamism with which they attract children. This is an easy way to get positive emotions without much effort.
Just a few clicks and you find yourself in a bright world with a huge amount of information, where everything happens quickly and dynamically. In a short time, you can experience and feel emotions that real life may not provide, such as a parachute jump, conquering Everest or flying to the moon.
However, it is important to understand that the impact may vary depending on age. The extent of this impact depends on when the child first became familiar with devices and how much time he spends on them, as well as the availability of other interesting activities.
What is the use?
For middle and high school students, using gadgets can be beneficial because they can learn how to master technology, work with information, and present it to others.
Digital education opens up almost unlimited opportunities for learning not only for children but also for adults. There are many games and applications that develop logic, attention, and memory.
Online learning allows you to work with a tutor, attend online schools and courses, take distance master classes and learn foreign languages. Thanks to computers, you can quickly access any information. For example, you can find materials for essays or videos on YouTube related to educational topics.
In addition, gadgets facilitate communication via instant messengers, which allows for quick exchange of information and requires knowledge of mobile etiquette. If a child shows interest in modern technologies, this can become a starting point for his future career in the IT industry, which is developing rapidly.
Cons of using
If gadgets are used incorrectly, problems and negative consequences may arise.
- Using gadgets can hinder the development of fine and gross motor skills. A child under 4 years old needs to master the skills of standing, walking and coordinating hand movements.
- Using a gadget instead of live communication can slow down the development of speech and communication skills. It is important for parents to interact with the child, name objects, explain what is happening around, sing songs and learn poems.
- Children may have difficulty reading and comprehending information. They may have trouble understanding printed text and only grasp short phrases, which makes it difficult for them to do well in school.
- Using gadgets before bedtime can disrupt children's sleep patterns. Light from phone, tablet, and laptop screens prevents normal sleep and reduces rest time.
- Long-term use of gadgets at close range can cause vision problems in children. Myopia and dry eye syndrome can develop due to a decrease in the frequency of blinking and incorrect posture when using gadgets.
Overall, improper and excessive use of gadgets can have serious negative consequences for children.
It is important to supervise and balance their use with other activities that promote children's physical, social and cognitive development.
