The Effects of Technology on Cognitive and Physical Development

The Effects of Technology on Cognitive and Physical Development

It is not rare these days to find a two year old that can perfectly navigate through a phone or tablet like a professional. “The number of children under 2 who have used handled devices jumped from 10% in 2011 to 38% in 2013.” (Levine & Munsch, 2016, p. 210). Some parents think that it is helping their children. It could be doing more harm than good, even if the babies are watching something educational. In fact, research has shown that babies age 8 to 16 months old who watched videotapes designed to improve cognitive development, such as baby Einstein videos, developed smaller vocabulary than those who did not. (Levine & Munsch, 2016, p. 210).

Almost all American families have at least one TV set, and half own three or more. (www.urbanchildinstitute.org, 2011) In most family households there is usually a television on even when no one watching. When the television is on, even in the background, parents talk and play with their infants less often. When they do, they are less attentive and engaged. (Kirkorian HL, 2009). Most parents do not know that this negatively impacts babies even if they are not actively watching. Infants and toddlers will become distracted by the television, which disrupts their play and social interactions. The more background TV they are exposed to at age one, the lower their cognitive functioning is at age 4. (Levine & Munsch, 2016, p. 210). Kids who view violent acts on TV are more likely to show aggressive behavior, and to fear that the world is scary and that "something bad will happen to them.” (kidshealth.org)

The time children are spending in front of any screen means they are not spending that time socializing with others, playing, exploring and learning from experience. This is an integral part of growing up and developing. Children who consistently spend more than 4 hours per day watching TV are more likely to be overweight. (kidshealth.org)...