Are smartphones harming your child's development? Discover the alarming truth from experts

tech.hindustantimes.com:

Smartphones are everywhere and they influence many parts of our lives. Children, like adults, often spend long hours on these devices. While smartphones provide easy access to information and entertainment, there are rising concerns about their effects on kids, particularly regarding brain development.

In a recent podcast, social psychologist Dr. Jonathan Haidt discussed why parents should consider limiting smartphone use among children. He highlighted several issues tied to excessive screen time, first reported by The Indian Express.

Haidt noted that children who spend too much time on screens risk developing nearsightedness, or myopia. Studies show that focusing on close-up activities, like using smartphones, can change the shape of the eye, leading to vision issues. Kids who stay indoors without enough natural light face a higher risk. Exposure to sunlight is crucial for healthy eye development and may help prevent myopia.

Research has linked excessive screen time to delayed cognitive growth in children. A study published in Jama Pediatrics found that kids with high screen time at ages two and three performed worse on developmental tests at ages three and five. This suggests that early exposure to screens can impact language skills and problem-solving abilities.

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Dr. Andrew Huberman, also on the podcast, explained that childhood and adolescence are critical times for brain development. Smartphones can disrupt this process by providing instant gratification through social media and games. This disruption may lead to difficulties with attention, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Children who use smartphones excessively often display shorter attention spans and increased distractibility.

Haidt raised alarms about the connection between smartphone use and mental health issues among children, such as anxiety and depression. The pressure from social media can