It seems that the theme of use of technology in children It continues to be news. What seemed like a great opportunity for the development of skills and abilities for children, even the youngest members of the household—and a great business opportunity for companies and app developers, it must be said—turns out not to be so. We all agree, I hope, on the importance of regulating the use of mobile devices by children. But in Taiwan have wanted to go further, and now the government has decided to prohibit the use of these devices to Babies and children under 2 yearsFurthermore, the Taiwanese government has limited its use among adolescents to 30 minutes. It is even considering fining parents up to $1600 if they fail to comply with this rule.
But why is the government of one of the world's leading technology manufacturers imposing such a radical measure? Apparently, eye health risks they could be behind this ban. Apparently, the latest studies indicate that the screens of electronic devices such as mobile phones or tablets emit 5 times more short-wave light that can be highly harmful to the eyes. But this is not the only reason.
Behind this prohibition is also the high degree of Internet addiction observed in Taiwan. Research published recently found that 7,1% of the Asian population is addicted to the internet. In fact, in China, internet addiction among young people has become a serious problem, with an estimated 24 million children considered addicted to the web. Limiting the use of mobile devices and other electronic devices is another reason that could motivate this decision by the Taiwanese government. In fact, countries like China and South Korea have similar laws.
Returning to the issue of the problems that the use of LED screens can cause in the retina, it seems important to insist that studies indicate that excessive exposure to new LED screens could be a risk factor that can irreversibly damage the retina. Children and young people who use this type of device at an increasingly early age are the most vulnerable, because their lens is developing and it does not filter this light efficiently.
Radiation and mobile phones: what you should know
In terms of health, mobile phones emit radiofrequency energy, a type of radiation non-ionizingThe most consistent evidence describes a biological effect of heating, with no clear evidence linking cell phone use to brain tumors. Even so, most research is in adults; therefore, it is recommended for babies and young children. prudence: keep devices away from your body, avoid prolonged direct contact and prioritize the responsible and supervised use when strictly necessary (for example, video calls with family members).
Why do babies end up using cell phones?
La constant availability of the telephone in the hands of adults and its enormous power of attraction (lights, sounds, movement) explains why it becomes a kind of “digital nanny”. It is a resource always at hand to “calm” or entertain, which reduces the opportunities for manipulative play And social that they need so much to mature.
Observed consequences of use at early ages
The following repercussions They appear more frequently when screens are abused in the early years:
- Lack of concentration in everyday tasks (eating, dressing) if the mobile phone is used to “get” them to collaborate.
- Social isolation at a stage where playing with other people is key to their emotional development.
- Less self-control and difficulty to defer the wish when using the screen to calm tantrums.
- sedentary habits and less movement, with an impact on health and exploration of the environment.
- Less sensory stimulation (touch, handle, smell, taste), crucial between 1 and 2 years.
- Physical problems such as eye strain or postural discomfort associated with prolonged use.
- Attention and learning difficulties if the screen shifts real experiences and active games.
- language delay when it replaces face-to-face interaction and the exchange of simple words.
- Sleep disturbances awarded by the light from the screens, especially if used close to bedtime.
Data and usage habits that are worrying
Various popular surveys reflect trends that worry families and professionals:
- From the first year onwards, about half of the kids use your mobile phone to watch children's videos.
- More than half of children between 1 and 12 years old add more than four hours a week in front of the television.
- In children under 11, around a third He plays with his tablet between one and two hours a day; for those over 11, the average amount of play can reach several hours a day.
- Around the age of eight, only three out of ten They play more than four hours a week with traditional toys; this figure decreases with age.
Practical recommendations by age
- Children under 18 months: Avoid screens. They are only considered appropriate video calls to maintain emotional ties at a distance.
- 18-24 months: If digital content is introduced, it should be age-appropriate, brief and always with adult accompaniment (co-viewing).
- 2-5 years: limit to unos 60 minutes up-to-date high-quality content, with active parental presence to provide context.
- From the age of 6: coherent limits of time and content, preventing it from affecting sleep, physical activity and family routines.
Hygiene, safety and eye health
Beyond the digital, a mobile phone can break and come loose Small pieces, with the risk of choking. In addition, it is an object highly polluted being in constant contact with hands and surfaces; it is advisable to keep it out of the baby's reach and reinforce the hygiene of the device. Regarding eyes and sleep, the blue light of the screens interferes with the melatonin; therefore, it is recommended to avoid screens in the last hour before bed, reduce brightness and prioritize warm ambient light.
How to accompany: limits, examples and alternatives
- Set time limits and create routines: no screens at meals, in the bedroom, or before bed.
- Model good useChildren imitate; reducing our own exposure is part of the solution.
- Monitor content and use parental controls to filter material inappropriate or violent.
- open communication about privacy, dealing with strangers and cyber bullying, adapted to age.
- Alternative activities: symbolic play, stories, drawing, going to the park, and a “resource bag” (blackboards, balls, modeling clay) for waiting.
Remember the approach of 24-hour balance: sufficient physical activity, quality rest, an active company and a digital life appropriate for age. For younger children, it is advisable to prioritize several hours of movement and free play daily, with minimal or no screens.
Brief reflection
Should other countries follow the example of Taiwan and limit the use of mobile devices and electronic devices to young people, and ban their use in babies? Honestly, I don't know how Asians will react to their governments telling them what to do, but I don't think a ban is the most appropriate measure for something that cannot be considered a crime in the strictest sense of the term, since it doesn't cause imminent harm to anyone. I think that in cases like this, education and awareness citizen, even if it is slow and expensive.
Perhaps It would be time to think about creating some kind of screen that would not be harmful to children, or some filter to dim that short-wavelength light, which is so harmful. After all, if that light is so harmful, it's harmful to everyone, including adults.
In any caseI doubt that these kinds of bans would prosper in Europe or America. I even doubt that they would be implemented. government campaigns to adequately inform people about these issues. After all the praise they've given the virtues of mobile phones in education, and the financial blow it would represent for device distributors and app developers, I doubt they'll back down and risk the wrath of those who would be financially affected. That's just the way things are.
In conclusion, I recommend you to veles both for your child's eye health and your own, and that you take the issue of Internet addiction very seriously. The risks to him, as possible speech delays, they're not the same as they are for you. In fact, no parent today can rely on their own experience as a young person to know what it means; in that, we're at a disadvantage.
Prohibit or educate? Focus on what works
The available science suggests that the simulator of technology in empathy as well as y atención depends on how It is used, during how much time and with what purpose: Limited, prosocial, educational use can bring benefits, while overuse (especially for non-educational purposes and for hours at a time) reduces them. With or without laws, the greatest return for children comes from informed families, sensible limits, adult presence and many opportunities to play, move and socialize.
Taking care of digital health in early childhood means prioritizing the human bond, real play and rest; integrate screens in an exceptional way and always with meaning; and assume that our coherence As adults—modeling habits and setting limits—is the most powerful tool we have to protect their development.
