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Tablets have their positive impact on children as they are entertaining, they can be educational, help improve kids’ thinking or understanding of certain things, they give access to practicing technological skills, children can learn typing, multi-touch navigation, problem-solving (with puzzles and games) and many other skills, and they allow to stay in touch with friends and family.1
However, children who spend less screen time and more time playing with others and using their own hands, seem to do better at learning the creative, cognitive, and social skills necessary for success later in life. 2,3
Here are many reasons why parents should limit the use of tablets for toddlers:
- Using a tablet won’t limit the time spent on TV and videos. Therefore, the total time spent on screen is increasing. 2
- The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) recommends 1 hour of screen time a day for pre-schoolers. 2
- Tablets can cause sleep disorders, social behaviour problems and grade performance: sleep is crucial for mental development, cognitive learning. 2
- Less physical activities: exercising is very important for physical development and mental wellbeing 2
- Exposure to violence and other bad habits (smoking, racism, etc.) 2
- Higher risk to develop obesity and bad eating habits2
- Screen time’s effect on vision may include: eye fatigue, double vision, irritated eyes, near-sightedness, retinal damage 4
Dr. Massoud Abou Zeid
Paediatric, Neonatologist
