Science reveals: parental cell phone addiction affects their children's development

By Kat Gal on August 20, 2018.

How many hours a day do you use your mobile phone? Let's be honest: how often do you surf social networks, watch an interesting video, read an article, check the weather, play games or Google something interesting? How often do you surf while waiting in line, because you're bored or you just do it out of habit?

Technology is everywhere, it is changing our world and it is inevitable. An infinite amount of information is at our fingertips. We practically don't have to leave our house anymore if we don't want to - we can solve almost everything with a mobile phone. It's popular to call out younger generations because of their technological addiction, but - let's be real - it's the same with the elderly, including our grandparents. The only difference is that the older generations still remember well the pre-smartphone or even pre-internet era.

Have you ever wondered how technology has affected us? How does it affect our mental health and development? And how does it affect our children? They do not know the world without smartphones, tablets and laptops.

Too much screen time causes behavioral problems in children of all ages

The huge number of hours spent on the Internet and the use of technology negatively affects the physical and mental health of adults. Children who are "glued" to the screen do not fare any better; on the contrary, they can do worse. A new study from the University of Michigan has shown that screen time can have serious negative consequences on children's health and development. It seems that a lot depends on the parents: we notice that those who spend a lot of time on their smartphones, laptops or other technical devices (including TV) have empty, superficial and more or less incomplete relationships with their children. As a result, children may feel worthless or unsatisfied and may try to get attention in some other way.

 

The study warns of the connection between the use of technical aids by parents and the child's behavior

The study was conducted in the USA, in 170 homes with both parents and children slightly older than 3 years. Parents answered questions about their habits around the use of technology: how often, how long and how they use it. The study focused on the interruption of family activities, such as games or meals, that are interrupted to send messages or surf the Internet. In addition, parents were also asked to describe how their children were behaving: whether they were irritable, oversensitive, grumpy or misbehaved within the two months prior to the study. The researchers took into account family income, education, stress, anxiety and other possible factors unrelated to the technique, and then examined the relationship between the interruption of family activities and children's behavior.

Although additional studies are needed to see if there is a direct link between parental technology use and children's behavior, the study found that there certainly is a link. When it comes to children, the mother's use of technical aids is particularly important.

 

Other health effects from excessive screen use

If we spend too much time in front of the screen and in the virtual world, it can cause many other negative effects on us, in addition to just "bad behavior". Some of them are:

• Difficulties with vision and eye health;
• Depression and other mental health problems;
• Difficulties in brain development and learning;
• Difficulties with the neck, back and other musculoskeletal systems as a result of poor posture;
• Cardiovascular health problems;
• Risk of diabetes;
• Difficulties due to lack of attention;
• Difficulty sleeping;
• Overweight and obesity.

Despite these negatives, technology still has many benefits for each of us personally, but also for the world as a whole. We cannot completely ban it, and we probably don't want to. Let's ask ourselves how to use it safely and responsibly, in order to protect our children and thus create a happy and healthy home and family.

How to protect yourself and your family from the negative effects of technology

• Limit screen time for everyone. Yes, this applies to adults as well. Make rules and stick to them. Ensure uninterrupted and quality time with your children, without technology.
• No cell phones at the table during dinner. Apply that to lunch as well. No phones during meal times. Spend time together, enjoy meals and slow down. Chat, connect and laugh.
• Choose activities instead of movies. Netflix is fun, comics and cartoons for kids too, as well as family movie night that connects us together. But choosing activities that allow for real interaction creates a better connection. Choose board games, cards or dominoes. Paint, draw or do something with your hands, play with legos or figurines, blocks... Go for an evening walk.
• Get outside. Time spent in nature is beneficial for your health. Going on a trip, hunting or mini-golf - all of these can be fun. Even if you live in a busy city, an exploratory trip into the concrete jungle is sometimes a lot of fun. Going outside doesn't have to be outdoors: go to the bowling alley, the gym, the trampoline or the museum. Turn off cell phones to be fully with each other.
• Put your cell phone on airplane mode even if you are not traveling. You don't need to be constantly up to date and see every text, social media post or breaking news. Turn off those signals and put your cell phone on airplane mode or mute it, especially if it's evening, night, or your child's homework time.

These tips can help you stay truly connected to your family and reduce the negative impact of technology.

What are the rules of your "screen" at home? How to protect your children from the negative influence of technology? How is your technology used? Share your experiences in the comments, we'd love to hear from you.

 

Source: https://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/children-with-parents-who-are-addicted-to-their-cellphones-affect-childrens-development-according-to-scientist/