And while there are many educational applications on the market where children can learn various skills, in reality, how much internet is too much?

Leer en español: Cuánta Internet es demasiado para nuestros niños

As parents, we will always be concerned about giving our children the best. Experiences, love, education and protection. And in that cluster of sensations and emotions we must also balance daily life and although for adults, technology and smart phones are an acquired need, we often allow our children to be connected to the Internet all the time. Be it through these devices, in the computer of the house, in the tablet of the dad, the App that his aunt gave him. But as much as they help us to be part of the cognitive development of the child – there are memorable educational applications and games – or they are the best way to control them and fill leisure spaces, the question that always attacks us is how much is too much. And if you as a parent are already asking yourself that question, then you are not alone.

There are many studies with no encouraging data reviewed in The Guardian: in one conducted by the Kaiser Foundation, it was discovered that young Americans spent more than seven and a half hours a day using electronic means (which translates IGNORE INTO what some adults spend in a job full-time); Another study by the Joan Ganz Cooney Center found that two-thirds of children aged four to seven had already used an Iphone, in most cases borrowed by a family member.

And the problem itself is not just the use of the internet and electronic devices, but other health risks that the child can face. The Center for Parents and Education tells us some of them:

– More likely to become obese or have a problem of overweight. Time on screen – with internet, video games or other electronic means – derives in long hours without physical activity.

– Difficulty falling asleep and falling asleep for long periods of time. The use of electronic means may cause the time to go to bed to dilate and result in less quality sleep time. Kidsmatter.edu.au also comments that exciting content before sleep can trigger emotional and hormonal reactions (such as adrenaline) that reduce the ability to stay asleep. In addition, light emissions from these devices can alter the circadian rhythm, increase alertness and suppress the release of melatonin, which helps us regulate sleep.

• Greater possibility of developing depression, anxiety and attention problems such as attention deficit and hyperkinesia.
• Perhaps these statistics can not be translated to the use of the Internet in Latin America but if we can realize certain behaviors in our children that speak of an addition to the Internet. Webroot says that we should pay attention to this type of behavior in our children:
• Defensive attitude when asked about the time you spend connected to the internet. Disobey the stipulated schedule for this activity.
• Gauze money that should be used in other things (like snacks and school supplies) in digital content or ask for the purchase of Paid Apps.
• Irritability and aggressive behavior when not connected. He gets angry or angry when he is not online or online time is interrupted.
• Feeling of euphoria while participating in activities such as online games or watching videos on the internet.
• Loses the notion of time while online and leaves aside domestic chores, duties or time you should spend with friends and family.
• He seems worried about being connected again when he is without a device (tablet, phone, computer).
• Loses interest in activities that previously pleased him (other games, sports, extra activities chair).

The use of the internet can be a great tool for the education of our children but like everything else, the time and impact they cause must be measured. We must ensure that we give them a wider environment where technological tools do not set the standard. Organize outdoor activities, dinner without the phones and be aware of our own Internet consumption in front of our children, since many times, they are the mirror of what we do every day.

Latin American Post | Clementine Ramos

Translated from “Cuánta Internet es demasiado para nuestros niños”