The War Against the “Big Bad Screen”
You probably think I’m going to say that all exposure to electronic devices is bad.
Well, I'm here to tell you that electronic devices and television may not actually harm your brain. What a relief, right? However, it's not quite that simple – so read on!
Usage of electronics doesn’t harm the brain, but it does change the brain. With screen time, our visual centers can be enhanced and the areas of the brain related to fine motor skills can increase. Certain aspects of problem-solving can improve too! Most kids who experience a reasonable amount of screen time can benefit from the advances in technology to improve their learning.
So, why the big, scary warnings about kids and devices?
Issues arise when kids:
Watch extended amounts of television
Become addicted to electronic devices
Watch violent content
As mentioned above, usage of electronics can change the brain and in this instance, the parts of the brain associated with aggressive tendencies or mood disorders can be overdeveloped. Excessive use of electronic devices may also cause problems with cognitive functioning, like slower processing or poor inhibition. This can cause glitches within the brain’s reward system, too, which impairs behavior and makes kids less likely to do things that are good for them.
How To Watch It Work
It comes down to teaching your kids how to use their devices responsibly. Here are 3 key things to WATCH:
Watch what they watch
Watch when they watch
Watch how they watch
Watch for the “bad brain” habits and promote the “good brain” habits. Excessive screen time tends to increase the “bad brain” habits but moderate use of electronic devices can help promote “good brain” habits.
So yeah, go ahead and use www.gonoodle.com or WiiSports to promote physical movement and interaction or educational apps like XtraMath or Learning A-Z! Just remember, everything is best in moderation.