Electronics: How Much Is Too Much?

It seems we can’t go anywhere in this day and time without having some form of electronic device in our hand.  Even kids have access to way too many electronic devices. There are small children who have access to more electronic devices than I do, and I’m a grown woman.  But where do we draw the line? Does anyone stop to think of the effects these devices may have on young kids whose minds are developing? I have to wonder why parents give such young kids all these electronic devices, whether it’s something like a tablet, Playstation, or smartphone.  I think a lot of it honestly is it serves as a “babysitter” for children. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure some parents don’t mean anything bad by using these devices for their children. Yeah the occasional video game is cool to play, and there are learning apps that parents can install on a smartphone or tablet for their youngsters.  But these need to be strictly limited. We have to ask ourselves, how much is too much? What happened to the days of playing a board game or card game? Or the smell of an actual book, with pages? Not a book on a computer. What’s that called? Nook? Hell, I don’t know.  

I remember my mom always doing flashcards with me to help me learn, playing with blocks and puzzles, and reading to me.  Kids should be able to use their imagination and play, draw, or read a book. I think constant access to electronic devices deprives kids of this.  There are many studies that support this also. Children need to explore their environment and develop motor skills, things that they cannot learn from electronics.  Study after study has confirmed that too much screen time can cause obesity, academic and behavior problems, and problems with social skills. Because a young child’s brain is still developing, too much screen time can cause the brain’s frontal lobe to be affected.  This affects a child’s impulse control which has also been linked to violent behavior.  

I’m a firm believer that even adults need to limit their screen time and do other activities to engage their mind.  Because let’s face it, us adults also struggle with technology. We live in a wonderful world full of all kinds of technology.  Although it is handy, we have allowed it to take over our bodies and minds, and have lost sight of the more beautiful things.  Things like sitting with family or friends playing a good board or card game, learning how to play an instrument, or drawing or painting.  I will take these things over an electronic device any day. 

Melissa LaClair