More and more Polish preschoolers spend hours in front of smartphones and tablets screens, even though parents know the recommendations of the planet wellness Organization (WHO). The latest research, including the 3rd edition of the task "Growing in the Network 3.0" conducted by Dr. Magdalena Rowicka from the Maria Grzegorzewski Academy of peculiar Pedagogy in Warsaw, clearly indicates that it is not a deficiency of knowledge, but the regular stress and fatigue of parents that make the youngest more and more frequently scope for digital entertainment. The consequences for their emotional and cognitive improvement may be serious and long-termAnd alarming data shows that the problem is increasing.
Alarming statistic and WHO Recommendations
The recommendations of the planet wellness Organisation and global paediatric societies are clear and consistent: children under the age of 2 should not have contact with screen devices at all. For children of pre-school age, a maximum of 1 hr per day is allowed, preferably in the presence of a parent and as part of a joint activity. Meanwhile, Polish realities disagree importantly from these guidelines. The investigation “Creating on the Web” reveals that already 1 3rd of children in Poland usage screen equipment before the age of two, and this early contact is peculiarly harmful. The youngest spend much more time in front of the screens, frequently alone and just before bedtime, which has particularly adverse effects for their psychophysical development.
Parent Stress: Hidden Troubleshooter
Why do parents, despite being aware of the dangers, let children to contact technology so often? Dr. Rowick and her squad point to a key factor: daily stress and responsibilities. “Parents know what recommendations say. The problem is not the deficiency of knowledge, but the deficiency of strength to implement it into everyday life," the expert explains. In situations where a kid gets bored, yells, fights with his siblings, and the parent is tired after work, the smartphone becomes a fast and easy solution. Researchers note that the higher the level of stress and frustration in the parent, the more frequently the kid gets a call “to calm down” or “to take care of himself”. This leads to the creation of a dangerous mechanics of a vicious circle: the kid learns to regulate emotions utilizing the screen, and the parent is convinced that it is an effective, though destructive, method.
Myths of Educational Application and Content Quality
Many parents believe that applications advertised as educational accelerate kid development. However, experts powerfully warn: this is 1 of the top myths of modern parenting. "Analytics show that the vast majority of popular applications have low educational value. Children click on flash pictures, collect points and awards, but learn nothing that supports their memory, concentration or creativity," explains Dr. Rowick. Excessive stimulus from the application can be even decrease cognitive function and lead to learning difficulties. Not only how much time the kid spends before the screen, but besides quality of viewed content. The investigation squad points out that many popular stories, specified as “Macha and Bear”, can model negative emotions and behavior, perpetuating aggression or disrespect. However, there are affirmative exceptions, specified as the Australian tv series Bluey, promoting cooperation, empathy and coping with emotions.
Long-wave Consequences and hazard of Addiction
Even seemingly innocent situations where a kid gets a telephone to calm down can lead to serious consequences. The kid begins to associate the screen with the only way to deal with frustration, and the parent becomes convinced that technology solves problems faster than talking or having fun together. If this pattern repeats repeatedly, The hazard of problem media usage in the future increases. "This could be the first step towards dependence on technology at school and teenage age," warns Dr. Rowick. Experts point out that technology itself is not bad. Smartphone or tablet is just a tool. The problem begins erstwhile the screen replaces conversation, closeness and shared experience of emotion, and technology becomes a substitute for human relationships and natural ways of dealing with challenges.
The results of the Network 3.0 task clearly show that it is parental emotions and regular stress that have a key impact on the decisions to make screens available to children. Experts appeal to parents for reflection and consciously shaping digital habits Your children. Before the virtual planet takes control of the youngest for good, it is worth remembering that it is parents who have a real influence on how their children will usage the media in the future, promoting healthy emotional and cognitive improvement through closeness and shared activity, alternatively than escaping into screens.
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Smartphones take over childhood. Experts warn: it's the parents' stress!
