ADVERSE EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY USED BY TODDLERS

This paper discusses all possible ways that technology can affect toddlers, how it affects them and ways to protect them. It states that technology is important but overusing and misusing it can adversely affect toddlers. Introduction Technology is the act of using different things to make work easier and more productive and to make life better. Technology keeps on advancing constantly and it has virtually changed every aspect of the current generation. In the past toddlers did not use technology but now they do hence everything has changed including how they socialize. Devices with screens emit blue light which is harmful and has been linked to causing eye irritation and strain, headaches, and lack of sleep to children (Garrison et al.

The human brain needs sleep to restore nerve network and clear unwanted things to prepare for a new day hence lacking enough sleep, especially to toddlers, can seriously affect their brain. Growth hormones and cytokines proteins used to fight stress and diseases in toddlers are primarily secreted during deep sleep. All the above reasons make sleep important to toddlers, but technology is taking away their time to sleep. This makes them hyperactive, impulsive, and clumsier during the day after lacking enough sleep hence increasing their chances of getting injuries. This affects the relationship between children and parents (Rowan, 2013). The current generation of toddlers is connected using technology hence they can interact and communicate virtually. Children now like texting, sharing images, and playing video games online than interacting in person.

This can impact their mental health and emotional well-being negatively in the long run. It is a fact that overusing social media can create lower self-esteem for both children and adults. Toddlers can also be curious and search for the sites meant for adults and easily access them. Toddlers can also meet dangerous people online who may influence their actions or use them to commit crimes. Technology makes toddlers believe in the life they see on television, games and social media. This has profound impacts on toddlers’ feeling and thinking capabilities. The technology designed to be used by toddlers is full of stimuli and it demands to concentrate on many things at once. , Liekweg, K. , & Christakis, D. A. Media use and child sleep: the impact of content, timing, and environment.