Positive and Negative Impacts of Electronic Devices on Children

Author:
yapbeelee
Updated:
Mar 17, 2024 2:41 PM EDT

Learn about electronic devices and their influence on child development.
Photo by Emily Wade on Unsplash

Impact of Electronic Devices on Child Development

Nowadays, children as young as two play with electronic devices, including video games, televisions, mobile phones, apps, computers, tablets, and PSP games.

According to the Pew Research Center, 88% of children under 12 use television, 67% a tablet, 60% a smartphone, and 44% a computer. Many electronic products are enjoyed by and targeted to the youth market, although it is also true that parents use these devices to keep their children quiet and occupied for periods of time.

Electronic devices can be useful but can also have a negative impact if they are overused. Let's look at some of the pros and cons of allowing a young child to use a computer or electronic device.

How electronic devices can impact your child negatively and positively.
Robo Wunderkind via Unsplash; Canva

Among U.S. parents of children age 11 or younger, 60% said their children had begun interacting with smartphones before the age of five.

— Pew Research Center

There are great benefits to using electronics properly, but the risks are great, too.
Bermix Studio via Unsplash

Benefits of Children Using Electronic Devices

Even for children younger than preschool age, electronic devices can help to stimulate the imagination and senses.
Some electronic use may promote language and listening and help a child learn sounds and speech.
Electronic devices and games may encourage cognitive learning and the development of analytical skills.
This may, in turn, help children build innovative thinking and investigation skills, strategic thinking, and creativity.
Using computers may improve manual dexterity.
Mastering games builds confidence and develops hand-eye coordination.
Building computer literacy is an important skill in today's world.
Games that encourage players to move up levels and earn high scores may help develop mathematical and engineering skills, as well as the motivation to meet goals.

Negative Effects of Children Using Electronic Devices

A survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that children spend more than seven hours per day on an electronic device on average. They can know how to manipulate a phone but not know how to tie their own shoes.
It is important for children to spend some time doing outdoor activities. Time spent on electronic devices may limit outdoor activity.
When children play violent games, they may become more aggressive. They are more likely to confront their teachers, peers, and relatives aggressively.
Children who spend significant time on devices may have difficulty learning and concentrating on their studies. The more time they spend with digital media, the less time they spend reading, and this has negative effects on learning.
Excessive computer exposure can be addictive.
It can also lead to a sedentary lifestyle, poor health, poor time management, and unhealthy eating habits. Obesity, high blood sugar or diabetes, and vision problems, are all higher risks with increased use of electronic devices.
Studies have shown that using electronic devices too much can negatively affect a child’s learning and ability to self-regulate and may contribute to attention deficits, cognitive delays, increased impulsivity, and impaired learning.

How to Manage a Child's Computer Exposure

It is impossible to completely eliminate electronic devices from a child's life, but there are ways to decrease their negative impacts.

Know the rating of the games and television programs your child wants to engage with.
Do not allow electronic devices in a child's bedroom.
Make media rules. For example, place a time limit on how often or long a child is allowed to use any electronic device.
Monitor your child's media consumption, including video games, television, movies, and the Internet.
Set screen time gauges and limits on all your devices.
Schedule downtimes when they are disconnected from all electronic devices.
Communicate with your child about what they observe in video games, television programs, or movies. Ask them how they feel about the media they have access to and discuss it with them.

Fun Screen-Free Activities

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.