The risks and benefits of new technologies in the development of girls and boys has been a matter of debate for years. Pediatricians talk about the use of tablets in children and We have recently been advised on this issue.
In recent years The tendency to use tablets has increased significantly and mobile devices as a complementary teaching method in schools. These methods should be reevaluated to see if their effectiveness is superior to that of classic tools such as writing and reading on paper.
Main recommendations of the Spanish Pediatric Association for its use
There is no precise age in which it is considered appropriate for the child to have the first mobile phone. Experts suggest that the decision should be based on individual circumstances taking into account the maturity of each child. Besides recommend that adults help them understand of virtual content.
The cell phone is an effective method for children to be entertained and silent, but its negative effects will be notable in the long term. The use of this type of technology must be subject to limitations by the child's family or school. This has been made clear in a document framed in the Digital Family Plan.
This document was issued by the working group belonging to the Health Promotion Committee (CPS) of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP). It is based on multiple scientific studies on this topic and offers advice from a health point of view.
What is the Family Digital Plan?
The Spanish Data Protection Agency together with the Spanish Association of Pediatrics made this initiative public on October 23, 2023. The strategy called “Change the Plan” is a platform aimed at helping professionals and families in the correct use of different technologies.
Among its main objectives is the promotion of healthy digital habits at all ages. It also focuses on the early detection of physical, mental and social risks. and the appropriate management of each case to avoid major consequences.
According to Dr. María Salmerón, It is important to differentiate the way in which these devices are used during school hours. The use of smartphones for educational purposes requires a different approach to the free use of the student's own devices. In this second case, contact with screens should be limited and supervised at any age.
Distractions decrease academic performance
A proof of this is the latest report of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA Report), carried out in 2022. This large-scale study carried out by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), shows very clear results.
These are some examples:
One in three students he is distracted by his cell phone in math class.
One in four does it through their colleagues' cell phones.
Students who are distracted by these devices lose an average of 15 points in their exams.
The document states that the use of telephones during recess hours social interaction between schoolchildren considerably decreases. Additionally, physical activity decreases and cyberbullying increases. Cyberbullying affects dignity in surprisingly public ways.
Recommendations for the use of these devices in teaching
To explore new methodologies it is essential determine educational needs and evaluate their effectiveness. We must also integrate these methods gradually to ensure adaptation to change.
Educational applications must be backed by research demonstrating its usefulness and possible negative effects. These should be implemented with a specific purpose and indicate the appropriate use time to achieve their objective.
The exposure time should not exceed the limit established by scientific societies:
Children under two years: They should not use screens.
Between two and five years: less than one hour of daily exposure.
After five years: less than two hours a day.
Mobile devices to use They must belong to the school institution. This ensures equal access to technological resources for all students. Measures should be taken to avoid contact with inappropriate content, such as using accounts for educational content only.
Any game or program intended solely for entertainment must be removed from the device. This type of content encourages excessive use and addiction to screens. It is also important to prepare parents, teachers and adults in general to promote the responsible use of technologies in all areas.
Some rules to keep in mind at home
We should not use screens two hours before going to sleep since it could cause technological insomnia. The light emitted by screens interrupts the functioning of Melatonin, which is the hormone that regulates our sleep cycles.
Avoid using cell phones in private areas of the home such as the bathroom. There is a great possibility of contamination with bacteria that are normally present in this environment and that could cause serious infections.
During dinners or family activities in general devices should be on silent and preferably somewhere else of the house. These are times when the family must strengthen ties and encourage communication, especially with the little ones in the house.
We adults abuse screens constantly. We must keep in mind that children will imitate us, Therefore, what they see us do is more important than what we say. These changes in habits should be made little by little and knowing why will help you accept them and maintain them over time.
Technological consumerism It creates important gaps in society since it depends on our purchasing power. It is very important to evaluate our real needs and assess the impact of this phenomenon on our environment and quality of life.
It is easier to establish healthy habits than to modify those already ingrained in our behavior. The time to start is now regardless of the age of our children.
And that's all, let me know in the comments your opinion about what pediatricians say about the use of tablets in children, and if you have any questions about it.
