After news emerged that babies as young as six months had been given their very own smartphone devices and tablets, parents all over the country are potentially wondering what the effects these types of devices can have on a little one.
With these modern-day tools being relatively new in the world, when we should hand over a smartphone device to a child is up for debate. According to tech billionaire Bill Gates, he didn’t let any of his kids get their own phone until they were 14 years old. In 2017, Gates said: “We often set a time after which there is no screen time and in their case that helps them get to sleep at a reasonable hour. We didn’t give our kids cellphones until they were 14, and they complained other kids got them earlier.”
For parents, these types of devices are hugely popular. It’s not uncommon for people to conduct banking enquiries using an app, take an array of high-quality images while away on holiday, or even turn to popular casino platforms in Ireland for a gaming session. This all comes as the smartphone devices and tablets of today offer more power and can perform more functionalities than we have ever known before. As a result, they can be the go-to option for parents keen to keep their child entertained and provide some peace and quiet in the process.
Is it actually right to hand a smartphone device to a child, though? What impact can a smartphone or a tablet have on a child at such a young age? Opinions vary on this, but here is a look at some of the reasons why it might be worth holding off for as long as possible.
They can alter a parent-child relationship
All parents want to bond with their child at the earliest stage possible. Handing over a device like a smartphone to a child can alter that bonding period and leave them becoming heavily reliant on it to provide a fun and entertaining experience. For some parents, that eventuality can seem depressing when numerous memories can be made by going outdoors, playing with toys together, and ultimately having shared experiences and establishing a strong connection. Smartphones can harm a parent’s connection with a child.
It can lead to a bad night’s sleep
According to a study by the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, using a smartphone device in the bedroom can hinder bedtimes and lead to a bad night’s sleep, and tiredness the next day. Children need plenty of sleep in order to feel fresh and ready for the day’s activities, which is why smartphone use before bed is avoided by some parents.
It can impede a child’s ability to learn
A smartphone device can be detrimental to a child’s socio-economic development as it continues to divert their attention away from educational material and impair some of the skills they need for learning important subjects like science and maths. If there is a fun game to play on a smartphone with entertaining sound effects and funny noises, why would a child want to do their homework or learn a new language?
Usage can have a negative impact on a child’s mental health
The internet can be a cruel place, especially on the social media platforms many of the children of today can’t help but access. The likes of Instagram and TikTok are hugely popular with children, but they can lead to bullying and subsequent mental health issues. These types of platforms are hard for parents to supervise, too.
