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Try to recall your last visit to the neighbourhood cafes or restaurant during dinner time. Vividly, you must have encountered families with young children clutching not on a soft bear or any colourful toys that are familiar to this age group but rather a piece of rectangular metal that seems to be the latest craze among us, the tablet PC.
The introduction of iPad device in 2010 by Apple had set an important milestone in the history of the development of tablet computer and developing a whole new culture in that era. Ever since then, tablet computer had become a new category of portable device that is even more superior to a laptop PC or notebook in terms of portability and functions and In this recent time, the Apple’s competitor continues to catch the consumer’s attention by perfecting the minute details that may or may not seem vital depending on individual user opinion. Nevertheless, we must take that tablet computer is now inseparable whether the initial purpose is used for work or leisure as it had brought to us great conveniences.
fromtimes.com
What about children and tablet computer? Recently, there are concerns about early exposure to tablet computers or equivalent device like Smartphone may be harmful, especially for young children (less than 2 year old). Allowing tablet computer on the dinner table as ‘pacifier’ for a tantrum child or simply a tool to prevent the child from wandering around seems like a survival tool for some parents. “I don’t intend to give them the iPad at the dinner table, but it really helps to keep them occupied for an hour so we can eat in peace in the restaurant”. This statement is not meant to condemn any parenting act but to put reality into perspectives.
A just released survey on tablets and toddlers shows the number of children using touch screen devices had increased in the past 2 years, reported as almost 40 percent of children under two and nearly 75 percent of children under eight are using it. As the technology is so new and researcher had yet to predict what harm can be done to these children, doctors are very concerned about the child’s health and social skill development. Child’s addiction to tablet computer might turn out like adult addiction to computer games that can lead to abuse and self-harm such as neglecting your social responsibility and your own health. Without doubt, there is a component of educational values using a tablet computer among children and it might even be one of the future revolutionary education tools for teaching in school. Perhaps, is timely to realize that technology and devices are created to aid our daily living, but oftentimes there are restrictions to every institution that cannot be solved or replaced. For example, human interaction and communication skills need live interaction and cannot be thought of tapping and swiping the screen. The American Academy of Pediatric recommends that parents create a “screen-free” zone at home and limit children and teens’ engagement with entertainment media for no more than one to two hours per day. Children should spend quality time on outdoor fun, hobbies and be able to utilize their imagination in free play.
Although up to date, no one actually has a valid scientific understanding of what the future might hold for a generation raised on portable screens, usage of computer tablet and equivalent device should be supervised by parents.
Dr. Sharon is currently a health administrator in Sabah who greatly believes in empowering the public with health awareness.
This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Medical Gazette.
[This article belongs to The Malaysian Medical Gazette. Any republication (online or offline) without written permission from The Malaysian Medical Gazette is prohibited.]
References:
- http://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/pages/media-and-children.aspx
- http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2013/11/14/red-flag-doctors-warn-tablets-can-actually-hurt-a-toddlers-developing-body/