The psychologist warns that phone, tablet and computer screens should be banned for children under the age of six, because they make children more irritable and increase their concentration and memory skills.
- Dr Alvaro Bilbao says screens should find their way into children’s hands “gradually”
- They may also become unhealthily dependent on devices with screens, he says
Parents should prohibit examination of children under the age of six, according to a psychologist.
Children who regularly stare at screens of smartphones, tablets, and computers are more irritable and have worse concentration and memories than children who don’t, according to evidence cited by neuropsychologist Dr. Alvaro Bilbao.
In his book, Understanding Your Child’s Brain, he says: “ Screens should already appear in a child’s life, because they are part of our life, but in my opinion it is better if they find their way into the child’s hands gradually.
This should happen once their brain has developed a bit more, emotionally speaking, as well as improving its ability to control itself.
In other words, from the age of six.
Parents should prohibit examination of children under the age of six, according to a psychologist. Pictured: a child holding a phone in a car seat
There is evidence that children who stare regularly at the screens of smartphones, tablets and computers are more irritable and have worse concentration and memories than children who do not use them. Pictured: a young boy looking at a tablet with the YouTube logo on the screen
Studies show that children who spend more time in front of screens are more likely to develop behavioral problems or childhood depression.
According to the new book, they may also become unhealthily dependent on devices with screens, and lose interest in other activities that are beneficial to their development.
Dr. Bilbao, who trained at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the US, writes: ‘I don’t have any kids apps on my mobile phone or tablet.
Sometimes my kids use the cellphone to look through our vacation photos, or the day we made the cake, and we do it together.
Sometimes we look at a song with them and learn dance moves, but they don’t play.
We also limit their time in front of the TV.
The World Health Organization says that children under the age of five should not spend more than an hour a day in front of screens, while it advises a complete ban on screens for those under the age of two.
