Below, see what the nation's pediatricians, including developmental pediatricans, had to say just last month on this topic. They say, bluntly: "Young children learn best by interacting with people, not screens."
I know that already there are kids who can't seem to ride in a car without that flip-down TV screen entertaining them; do they know how to look out the window and just imagine things? Do they have conversations with their parents while on the road (conversations about things other than what they're watching)? Parents love to let kids play with their smart phone because it keeps the kids, even babies, occupied; but doesn't that mean the adults are interacting with the kids that little bit less? That the kids are getting more used to having a screen in front of them that little bit more? I worry that children are so used to wanting, and eventually, needing someone else's ideas, images and content prettily presented in front of their eyes that they will lose any ability to sit down, be alone with their own thoughts, and create anything of their own that isn't based on....what they've already absorbed through media. Kids are equating having fun or being entertained with having a screen in front of them. The villain used to be the TV screen but at least that stayed in one spot; now the screens are anywhere, any time.
I'm not against technology. I'm for parents having to interact with kids and kids having to entertain themselves with their own imaginations. Please, no flames from parents who say "I would go insane if I didn't let little Joey have my smart phone once a day." That's fine, as long as once a day doesn't mean an hour at a time, or every single day. And the plea of "It's educational!" CAN be true but how many games touted as educational really aren't, and give us as parents an easy out for letting kids have that screen time so they don't fuss?
In December 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued this statement about children and media:
"Studies have shown that excessive media use can lead to attention problems, school difficulties, sleep and eating disorders, and obesity. In addition, the Internet and cell phones can provide platforms for illicit and risky behaviors.
By limiting screen time and offering educational media and non-electronic formats such as books, newspapers and board games, and watching television with their children, parents can help guide their children's media experience. Putting questionable content into context and teaching kids about advertising contributes to their media literacy.
The AAP recommends that parents establish "screen-free" zones at home by making sure there are no televisions, computers or video games in children's bedrooms, and by turning off the TV during dinner. Children and teens should engage with entertainment media for no more than one or two hours per day, and that should be high-quality content. It is important for kids to spend time on outdoor play, reading, hobbies, and using their imaginations in free play.
Television and other entertainment media should be avoided for infants and children under age 2. A child's brain develops rapidly during these first years, and young children learn best by interacting with people, not screens."