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Learning, games, social networks, cartoons and videos, developing and entertaining applications - modern children are ready to spend the whole day on gadgets. Neither complete rejection of screens nor uncontrolled use will be a good solution for a child of any age. Let's consider how to find the golden mean.
From what age can children use a gadget
The multifunctionality of the devices provides the possibility of their useful use even for newborns. For example, listening to calm classical music has a positive effect on the psycho-emotional background of the baby, improves sleep and promotes the development of the nervous system.
The use of various software also helps in the development of logic, learning languages, and can serve as a self-teaching tool for playing musical instruments. Many children and teenagers are interested in shooting, processing, editing photos and videos, and keep blogs. Most schoolchildren have to study remotely - gadgets are useful in this as well.
Mode of using gadgets for children: the golden mean
Follow the recommendations of the WHO, according to which until the age of 3 you should not use gadgets at all, at the age of 3–7 years up to 30 minutes a day, and at the age of 7–10 only 50 minutes ー hardly realistic. Pandemic and war create various restrictions in the real world: education, communication and entertainment have mostly gone online. But there are several recommendations that will help reduce the negative impact of gadgets on the physical and psychological health of the child:
- Agree on the regime of breaks and monitor their observance. After every 20-30 minutes with a smartphone - active games, dances, a small workout or any physical activity.
- Help the child find a hobby that is not related to the gadget. To do this, you need to try a little busy. Drawing, sculpting, music, needlework - there are many options for everyone's taste.
- Provide conditions for live, comfortable communication with peers. If possible - visit playgrounds and sports grounds, clubs, events, visit.
- As far as possible, translate the educational tasks into a non-digital format. Paper books, tasks printed on paper, live tutoring will be excellent assistants to reduce the amount of time spent on a smartphone.
With a child of preschool age, you can share your gadgets for a few minutes a day. It is desirable for a schoolchild to purchase his own smartphone, board or a laptop, at least for studying and searching for information. Do not neglect the fact that children with age need access to social networks and various modern sources of content, the ability to communicate with friends on the Internet in order to develop on an equal footing with their peers. Look for the middle ground, help the child achieve balance in this unstable but rapidly developing digital world.
