8 Reasons To Ban Smartphones For Minors

Is it right to prohibit the use of smartphones for children? In some respects, this is the best decision for their well-being and health. Sometimes we think that the reasons that lead us to ban smartphones for children are exaggerated. However,  various tests indicate that it is the best decision. Once upon a time, the biggest concern was that children didn’t spend too much time in front of the TV.

 Nowadays, they even fall asleep with their cell phone in hand. Some experts assure that the mobile phone can be harmful to them. They also reiterate that more and more babies and children are using tablets and smartphones. The correct age to start using technology is after 2 years. Let’s see why we need to prohibit smartphones for children and babies.

Why Ban Smartphones For The Little Ones?

There are very good reasons why little ones shouldn’t interact with technology before age 2. Although they are born practically with a mobile phone, it is very important to avoid excesses. We need to know what effects an excessive use of technology can have on them.

Brain Development

First of all, there could be an acceleration in brain growth, especially in infants aged 0 to 2 years. The consequences could include several disorders, such as attention deficits and cognitive delays. These must be added to learning problems, increased impulsivity, and lack of self-control.

Excess Radiation

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes mobile phones as a risk to children and adults due to the radiation they emit. In this case, the little ones are more sensitive, which increases the risk of contracting diseases such as cancer.

Mental Illnesses

Several studies have revealed that excessive use of new technologies increases rates of childhood depression and anxiety. Children become unable to form emotional bonds. In addition, they have attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and other behavioral problems. All this must be added to other factors, such as social relationships. It often happens that, precisely in this area, children are victims of cyberbullying.

Aggressive Behavior

With new technologies, children are more likely to have access to violent and aggressive content. This could alter their behavior. We must remember that little one imitate everything they see. Therefore it is even more dangerous for them to receive unverified content. For this reason, parents should be very careful about what their children do.

Sleep Alterations

Experts warn that children who use technology in bed have difficulty falling asleep. This occurs as a result of using the smartphone during the night. This lack of sleep affects academic performance and health.

Attention Deficit

Overuse of technology can also lead to attention deficit disorder. In addition, social interactions with children and people also decrease. Due to the speed with which you use the contents, concentration, and memory can also decrease.

Childhood Obesity

Often, the use of technology implies a sedentary lifestyle. This problem is occurring in an ever-increasing number of cases. Lack of activity leads to childhood obesity. In turn, this gives rise to diseases such as diabetes, vascular or heart problems.

Childhood Addiction

Some studies state that 1 in 11 children between the ages of 8 and 18 are addicted to technology. This is a rather alarming figure that could increase over time. Every time a child uses an electronic device, he distances himself from his parents, family, and friends.

When Is The Right Time To Let Children And Teenagers Use Smartphones?

The Indian Pediatrics Association has launched a campaign to ban smartphones for children. It suggests that parents exercise more control and play with their children more often. At the same time, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Society of Pediatrics state that infants 0-2 years old should not use the technology. From 3 to 5 years old, they can use it in a limited way and only for one hour a day. 

Finally, from 6 to 18 years of age, the time of use should be around 2 hours a day. We must be aware of the damage that new technologies can cause to children and teenagers. It isn’t easy to prevent them from using them because they have them available from birth. However, we can ensure they do not exceed, thus preventing any problems. These must be something other than playing or reading time.

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