Negative Effects of Computers on Young Children

With the advancement of technology, young children have the advantage of being exposed to more learning materials and enhanced social experiences. Most children have regular access to computers at school, as well as access to a computer at home. However, too much of a good thing can create negative effects. While children experience many of the same problems as adults, they are more susceptible than adults for developing problems.

  1. Vision

    • Children who are on the computer for hours without significant breaks can develop eye focusing problems and eye irritation. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), children do not think about changing their seating for more comfortable viewing, which can result in excessive eye strain. Since most computer work areas in the home are set up for adults, children must look up higher at the monitor which creates additional eye strain.

    Health

    • When children spend time on computers, they are spending less time on physical activities to keep their bodies in shape and healthy. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that children should spend at least 60 minutes per day participating in physical activities such as sports, walking, bicycling or swimming. The Weight-Control Information Network recommends that parents decrease the amount of time their child spends on the computer, watching TV, talking on the phone or playing video games. This will result in spending more time participating in daily physical activities. According the Weight-Control Information Network (WIN), children who become overweight may develop diabetes, high blood pressure, stress, depression, low self-esteem, heart disease and other illnesses that can follow them into adulthood.

    Inappropriate Content

    • Even with the advancement of parental controls, children are still able to access adult-oriented content, whether they are trying to or not. In addition, children can easily stumble across violent or disturbing images that can cause them severe emotional harm; some of these images are even too graphic for many adults. Parents should monitor their child's viewing history and ensure that parental controls are set, as well as check-in with the child periodically while using a computer.

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