Whether it comes in the form of gaming systems, TV, phones, computers, tablets, or the Smartboards they use in the classroom, one thing is for certain; children are exposed to nonstop visual and auditory input from screens. All those hours spent consuming digital media can seriously impact brain development, social-emotional functioning, and our children’s health and well-being.
Dr. Shefali Gandhi, a licensed psychologist in Scottsdale, Arizona, notes that adverse health outcomes such as poor sleep quality and decreases in physical activity are documented in the research on technology use. “New information shows that increased media use is associated with a range of impacts on cognitive processes, including changes in attentional control, preferences for immediate rewards, disrupted emotional regulation, and changes in how children modulate their emotional experiences,” says Dr. Gandhi.
She notes there are benefits to media use and access as well. Increased access to information, family and friends, and creative outlets are all strengths that media brings to our children’s lives. Parents must help children develop the skills necessary to make healthy media-related choices.
RESPONSIBLE MEDIA USE in Pre-K
CHILD READING LIST
★ “It’s Your World Now!” by Barry Falls
★ “Chicken Clicking” by Jeanne Willis
★ “Unplugged Ninja: A Children’s Book About Technology, Screen Time and Finding Balance” by Mary Nhin
PARENT READING LIST
★ “The Importance ★ “The New Childhood: Raising Kids to Thrive in a Connected World”
