Parenting Tips: Should Screen Time Among Children Be Reconsidered?

Screen time can have a negative impact on a child's mental development. Though most parents would avoid it, there are few factors that are to be reconsidered.

Technology took its tool as the hype on the latest tablets and smartphones managed to capture the younger generation. Though it is often being given to children to keep them busy, experts suggest that smartphones and tablets should be off limits to children younger than 2.

Though screen times should be prohibited for children under the age of two, older children with limited access should reap benefits from spending time with their gadgets. An Article from New York Times suggests that there are some factors that should be reconsidered in regards to your child's screen time.

"There are some preliminary studies - and I emphasize preliminary - that baby as young as six months can learn from prosocial media," Dr. Victor Strasburger, a distinguished professor emeritus of and a co-author of the original policy statement said. "But they learn 20 times better from parents. I think the very judicious use of technology for under-2s may be okay, but personally, I don't see the hurry."

Children are keen on tinkering with the latest gadget as they can easily learn how it works. According to Psychology Today screen time should not be totally considered as a bad thing, as there are several learning apps available depending on the child's age.

There may be positive effects, but the negative impact of screen time on young children are far worse that the positive aspects. Dr. Aric Sigman from the British Psychological Society mentioned that screen time can "unintentionally" have a damaging effect on the brain which can last a lifetime.

Moderation is always the key to having a balanced learning. Though children should have limited time on their tablets and phones, it was suggested that children under 2 should strictly be prohibited from using gadgets.