As children move into their preschool years, ages 3-5, they have the ability to learn from media. While education is always encouraged, problems arise when children are allowed extensive time with these interactive devices. Any young child who spends too much time with a device can zone into the tablet, forgoing hours of social interaction and focusing on virtual games instead. And although the tablet can distract a child for a few minutes, it is not a good solution to calm down a child who is whining. The more parents rely on iPads, smartphones or similar devices to pacify a child, the less likely the child is to learn healthy, self-guided techniques to calm down naturally. Many children can even exhibit signs of “technology addiction,” which is characterized by throwing tantrums when devices are taken away. Interactive media use can be a joint activity for parent and child with a time limit just like a trip to the park. This way the child knows to expect to do the activity with a parent or caregiver and that when done, it is time to put it away.
These early years are critical periods for learning and brain development. Engaged play with people during this time is instrumental for developing language skills and learning to recog-
nize facial expressions. They should be using their imaginations; just like a muscle, the imagination must be exercised in order to grow. Over time, kids’ play becomes more elaborate and three-dimensional. Screen time can interfere with these crucial milestones. The bottom line is that children should be actively engaging with parents and other children — not devices. So while smart phones and tablets themselves are not necessarily harmful, a thoughtful and planned approach to usage is important to keep young children on track for healthy development. Use technology as a teaching tool only for short periods of time rather than relying on it to be a child’s only source of play and entertainment. And if your child ever cries when the device is taken away, consider that a warning sign that maybe they shouldn’t be playing with it at all. Susan Mims, MD, MPH is VP for Women’s and Children’s at Mission Hospital and Medical Director for Mission Children’s Hospital.
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