Screen Dependency Can Damage Your Child's Brain, Psychologist Warns

Feb 12, 2018 by apost team

Smartphones and iPads have an enchanting power over children. Waiting in a doctor's office or handling a child's tantrum has been made easier with the use of these modern devices, which open a child's world to a plethora of games, activities, and videos. Parents have become dependent on their devices to instantly calm their child, but this may have consequences.

According to a new study, staring at a screen for too long can lead to Screen Dependency Disorder (SDD), which can result in back problems, insomnia, weight gain or loss, eyesight problems, headaches, and poor nutrition. In addition, prolonged use of mobile devices can develop emotional symptoms such as anxiety, guilt, loneliness, and dishonesty. 

Dr. Aric Sigman, psychologist and author of the study called "Screen Dependency Disorders: A New Challenge For Child Neurology," wrote in his study that screen dependency is similar to internet, gambling, and substance-related addictions. An addict exhibits behaviors such as "withdrawal symptoms, increased tolerance (of screen use), failure to stop screen activities, loss of outside interests, continuation despite negative consequences, lying about extent of use, and using the device to escape adverse moods." 

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The research is still ongoing, but past studies support the evidence that those who suffer from SDD are more likely to have abnormalities of both grey and white matter in their brains, which consequently leads to brain damage. 

So how do you know when a device is already affecting your child's behavior? 

Family development specialists suggest assessing how easy it is for you to take the device away from your child. If they are unable to perform regular routines in their day because of their need to stay connected to the screen, then it's normal to be alarmed. Childhood consultants suggest closely observing a child's activity at home and report it to a doctor, who will also have their own set of questions and tests for the child. 

However, specialists don't think screen time is always a bad thing. They can be useful for learning, communication, research, and entertainment, according to Claudette Avelino-Tandoc, a Family Life and Child Development Specialist. 

"Parents are dealing with 21st-century learners, what we call ‘digital natives.’ They should allow their kids to manipulate these tools. However, balance is the key word,” she said.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children ages 2 to 5 should have a maximum of one hour screen time per day. Babies younger than 18 months should not be allowed screen time at all. For school-aged children and adolescents, the idea is to balance media use with other healthy behaviors.

"Parents play an important role in helping children and teens navigate media, which can have both positive and negative effects," said Megan Moreno, MD, MSEd, MPH, FAAP, lead author of the policy statement on media use in school-aged children and teens. "Parents can set expectations and boundaries to make sure their children's media experience is a positive one. The key is mindful use of media within a family."
 

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