Essay on Screen Time and Content on Toddlers

Introduction

Screen time has become a large part of today's society. It is by way of using smartphones, television, computer or tablet. Studies and research show that the time that toddlers spend on the screens affects their abilities to learn and develop. Such effects include speech delays, developing aggressive behavior and obesity. It also interferes with their cognitive ability. This paper reacts on the article, "What's on the screen affects the baby and toddler language," published on USA TODAY, on Aug. 10, 2014.

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Some facts suggest that toddler the use of screens affects toddlers. When toddlers are growing, it is imperative to give them the chance to interact with the people around them effectively. Ahearne, Dilworth, Rollings, Livingstone, and Murray (2016) notes that this dramatically improves their social skills. To enhance day to day learning, toddlers need to touch items, shake, throw, see faces and listen to the voices of those whom they love most.

However, people should disregard the negative aspect of screen use. Toddlers get the opportunity to learn how to pay attention for prolonged periods when they watch screens (Ahearne et al., 2016). The authors of the article, therefore, suggest that video programming should be used to enhance learning in children, depending on their age. Shows that are well designed can help strengthen literacy skills in babies and toddlers. At the age of two, such designed video programs can be used to teach children language, math, science, and problem-solving through well-designed games and tasks (Duch, Fisher, Ensari, & Harrington, 2013). These include interactive programs such as Dora the Explorer and Sesame Street. Such programs give them the opportunity to answer questions. The use of educational TV also creates a big difference for toddlers and children whose homes are the least intellectually stimulating.

Conclusion

In conclusion, restricted exposure to age-appropriate screen media is dubiously harmful. Children can learn more if they watch television, use phones and iPods, tablets and use apps with their parents. The content of these screens is what matters most. These programs educate toddlers about something. However, it is very vital for parents to talk to their children, read to them and play. They should not entirely depend on the market claims of the educational media. It is essential to stick to those that are designed to be educative. Parents can co-view with them to optimize their learning potential

References

Ahearne, C., Dilworth, S., Rollings, R., Livingstone, V., & Murray, D. (2016). Touch-screen technology usage in toddlers. Archives of disease in childhood, 101(2), 181-183.

Duch, H., Fisher, E. M., Ensari, I., & Harrington, A. (2013). Screen time use in children under three years old: a systematic review of correlates. International journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity, 10(1), 102.