Resources for families
1. Bites
Click here to watch our video with psychologist Alejandra Luna and Laia Tur, Owner of the Petits centers.
In this talk, we will discuss the reasons, origin, or cause, of what we should do and what we should avoid doing or saying.
2.SCREEN USAGE
We understand that we live in the digital age, and it's undeniable that technology and electronic devices play a significant role in the daily lives of families. However, it's essential to be aware of the risks associated with excessive screen exposure, especially in younger children.
Numerous studies and experts in child development have pointed out that excessive screen time in young children can have negative impacts on their health and well-being. Here are some reasons to be cautious:
Neuromuscular problems resulting from the sedentary nature of screen use.
Impaired brain development: The brains of young children are still in the process of development, and overexposure to screens can interfere with this process. It can hinder the acquisition of communication, concentration, and problem-solving skills.
Sedentary lifestyle and obesity: Screen time often involves sitting still, contributing to health issues like childhood obesity.
Social interaction: Excessive screen time can limit opportunities for children to interact with others and develop essential social skills.
Inappropriate content: While there are apps and content designed specifically for children, there's also inappropriate and violent material online that children may stumble upon.
Delayed vocabulary acquisition: Children don't need to make an effort to communicate while using screens, which can affect their vocabulary acquisition.
We understand that in today's society, it's challenging to completely avoid screen usage. However, it's crucial to establish limits and supervise the time children spend in front of electronic devices. Here are some recommendations:
- Limit daily screen time in accordance with guidelines recommended by pediatric experts.
- Encourage outdoor play, reading, and other activities that promote physical and mental development in your children.
As parents and caregivers, you play a vital role in the healthy development of your children. We are here to support you in the challenging task of balancing technology in your children's lives with other important experiences.
Together, we can help our little ones grow in a healthy and balanced manner.
On the other hand, several countries with advanced educational systems have stepped back from the use of technology as the primary method of learning, opting to return to the use of physical books and handwritten notes. Countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden, France, Germany, Italy, China, and the United Kingdom have implemented restrictions on the use of electronic devices in schools due to concerns about negative effects on concentration and academic performance.
The Platform for a Healthy and Regulated Digitization is carrying out a campaign to raise awareness about the negative effects of excessive technology use in schools, especially the use of smartphones and other technological tools by students. They seek collaboration to disseminate visual materials with the aim of discouraging the purchase of smartphones for children and adolescents. Additionally, they emphasize the need to discuss the imperative of eliminating smartphones from primary and secondary schools.