Negative Effects Of Technology On Children
Children learn to master smartphones, tablets and remote controls at an ever younger age. You may already be used to seeing them looking for videos or playing games on your computer, but unfortunately this can have negative effects or even cause illness. So what exactly are these negative effects of technology? Read this article to learn everything you need to know.
What are the negative effects of technology on children?
It seems that there is a constant stream of new terms, new syndromes and new concepts in modern society. Many of the diseases we currently suffer from are related to technology, lack of exercise or poor nutrition.
In this case, we focus on the negative effects of technology on children, a problem that may seem harmless but has consequences in the short, medium and long term.
These “diseases” or pathologies have increased. Although they have not yet been studied in detail, their existence cannot be denied. Worst of all, they affect children at a very young age.
What do we mean by the negative effects of technology on children? Basically, the term refers to health problems that come with the constant use of technical devices.
Although it may seem hard to believe, children are the main users of smartphones, tablets and game consoles and it is also they who suffer the consequences that all of these entail.
Some of the main negative effects of technology
1. Hearing problems due to the use of headphones
Headphones and speakers that are constantly used at high volume can create hearing problems, especially those placed inside the ear canal.
There is a trend towards listening to music, videos and game sounds at an ever higher volume to block out ambient sounds. Many parents take their children to the pediatrician due to poor hearing, and this is often due to the use of headphones.
In addition, we should take into account that these devices can cause tinnitus, a condition that results from nerve damage in the ear.
2. Injuries from repeated movements
It’s hard to believe, but there are even 5-year-olds with inflammation in their wrists or with carpal tunnel syndrome. There are more cases of this than you think, and they are mainly due to the fact that they spend hours holding a smartphone and tapping screens while playing games.
Another ailment is inflammation of the thumb due to the texting. It is the thumbs that they usually write with on smartphones, and also those that are most affected by pain, stiffness, cramps and tingling.
3. Overworked eyes
Overworked eyes, also known as visual stress, are considered by doctors to be one of the most tragic of the negative effects of technology among children. They spend countless hours staring at a small screen and this gives rise to overexertion of the eyes.
Other symptoms include dryness, photosensitivity, watery eyes, red eyes, redness, pain when reading, headache and nausea.
4. Insomnia – perhaps the most worrying of all the negative effects of technology
This is one of the negative effects of technology on children that we tend to associate with adolescents, but can also occur at earlier ages. Using screens until late at night puts the brain on high speed and prevents healthy sleep.
5. Muscle pain due to poor ergonomics and posture
Pain in the back, neck and shoulders is a common consequence of the use of technical devices. Poor posture for hours while watching movies or TV shows, playing games and watching videos can cause the spine to bend, posture changes, cramps and more.
6. Internet addiction is spreading
Internet addiction is a very worrying negative effect of technology. It turns out when children do not want to do anything other than just sit in their rooms with a screen in front of them.
They have their phones next to them at the dinner table, on vacation, on family outings, at school… The addiction is so strong that they sleep with their smartphones under the pillow. If for some reason they have to go somewhere without the phone for a few minutes, they feel they are missing something important.
What should you do if your children suffer from some of these negative effects of technology?
First, you need to limit their access to the internet and technology devices.
Plan outdoor activities so that they get used to being active without their electronics. Do not let them use their smartphones for the last two hours before going to bed. If you think it is necessary, seek appropriate professional help. You can consult a doctor, psychologist or physiotherapist.
