Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Screen Time Could Be Slowing Your Kids Down, Here's What The Study Says

In today's time, screens are nearly impossible to avoid. From smartphones and tablets to televisions and laptops, they all have become an important part of our lives. For many families, especially with young children, screens are a regular part of daily life. However, a new study is sounding the alarm on what too much screen time during the early years might cost: a child’s language development.

Researchers have found that excessive exposure to digital screens can hamper the way children learn to speak and understand language. Sarah Kucker, a developmental psychologist at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, explains that children learn best through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences — something screens simply can’t replicate, as reported in HealthDay News.

“When learning a new word like ‘banana,’ for instance, it is important that a child can feel its texture and see it from all angles to understand that it’s 3D and has a distinct smell,” said Kucker. “Just seeing a picture of a banana or a quick cartoon video doesn’t give the same information.”

In other words, children need to touch, explore, and play with real objects to understand the world around them. That interaction is a key driver of early language and cognitive development. When screen time replaces these experiences, it can dull the richness of their learning environment.

Kucker stressed that the first few years of life are particularly important for building the brain’s language and social foundations. “This is a time when kiddos are forming meaningful brain and language connections that are best built through hands-on experiences,” she said.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding screens altogether for children under 18 months, except for video chatting. For toddlers aged 18 to 24 months, high-quality programming with a caregiver present is encouraged. Children aged 2 to 5 should be limited to one hour of screen time per day.

Despite the warnings, Kucker doesn’t suggest banning screens entirely. In fact, certain kinds of screen time can support learning — especially when used socially.

“Video chatting with a grandparent, for example, helps kids learn back-and-forth conversations,” she said. “Two-person games like puzzles on a tablet can also promote listening, turn-taking, and language development.”

The key is how the screen is used. Passive watching — where children are just staring at a screen without engagement — offers little educational benefit. But interactive and social media can have positive outcomes when paired with real-life communication.

To help parents navigate the digital world, Kucker offered four tips to make screen time more effective:

<strong>Know the why:</strong> Ask yourself why your child is using a screen. If it’s just to keep them quiet, try alternatives like sensory toys or calming techniques such as deep breathing.

<strong>Be social with screens: </strong>Engage in video calls or interactive games that require conversation and participation. Shared screen time encourages communication.

<strong>Choose interactive media: </strong>Look for apps and videos that ask questions or prompt your child to relate what they see to their real world.

<strong>Balance with real talk:</strong> Make sure your child hears a lot of words from real people. Even talking aloud while cooking, cleaning, or running errands can help build vocabulary and understanding.

As digital technology continues to shape our lives, it’s important for parents and caregivers to make mindful choices. While screens can’t be eliminated altogether, striking a balance is essential.

Children need more than passive visuals. They need conversations, textures, sounds, smells, and experiences to understand the world — and language — around them. And that kind of learning still happens best in the real world, not on a screen.

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In today's time, screens are nearly impossible to avoid. From smartphones and tablets to televisions and laptops, they all have become an important part of our lives. For many families, especially with young children, screens are a regular part of daily life. However, a new study is sounding the alarm on what too much screen time during the early years might cost: a child’s language development.Researchers have found that excessive exposure to digital screens can hamper the way children learn to speak and understand language. Sarah Kucker, a developmental psychologist at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, explains that children learn best through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences — something screens simply can’t replicate, as reported in HealthDay News.Real-World Play Matters“When learning a new word like ‘banana,’ for instance, it is important that a child can feel its texture and see it from all angles to understand that it’s 3D and has a distinct smell,” said Kucker. “Just seeing a picture of a banana or a quick cartoon video doesn’t give the same information.”In other words, children need to touch, explore, and play with real objects to understand the world around them. That interaction is a key driver of early language and cognitive development. When screen time replaces these experiences, it can dull the richness of their learning environment.Why Early Years Are CriticalKucker stressed that the first few years of life are particularly important for building the brain’s language and social foundations. “This is a time when kiddos are forming meaningful brain and language connections that are best built through hands-on experiences,” she said.The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding screens altogether for children under 18 months, except for video chatting. For toddlers aged 18 to 24 months, high-quality programming with a caregiver present is encouraged. Children aged 2 to 5 should be limited to one hour of screen time per day.Not All Screen Time is HarmfulDespite the warnings, Kucker doesn’t suggest banning screens entirely. In fact, certain kinds of screen time can support learning — especially when used socially.“Video chatting with a grandparent, for example, helps kids learn back-and-forth conversations,” she said. “Two-person games like puzzles on a tablet can also promote listening, turn-taking, and language development.”The key is how the screen is used. Passive watching — where children are just staring at a screen without engagement — offers little educational benefit. But interactive and social media can have positive outcomes when paired with real-life communication.Tips for Smarter Screen UseTo help parents navigate the digital world, Kucker offered four tips to make screen time more effective:Know the why: Ask yourself why your child is using a screen. If it’s just to keep them quiet, try alternatives like sensory toys or calming techniques such as deep breathing.Be social with screens: Engage in video calls or interactive games that require conversation and participation. Shared screen time encourages communication.Choose interactive media: Look for apps and videos that ask questions or prompt your child to relate what they see to their real world.Balance with real talk: Make sure your child hears a lot of words from real people. Even talking aloud while cooking, cleaning, or running errands can help build vocabulary and understanding.As digital technology continues to shape our lives, it’s important for parents and caregivers to make mindful choices. While screens can’t be eliminated altogether, striking a balance is essential.Children need more than passive visuals. They need conversations, textures, sounds, smells, and experiences to understand the world — and language — around them. And that kind of learning still happens best in the real world, not on a screen.

screen time could be slowing your kids down, here's what the study says

Aarushi Bhadury

Are Fathers Still Reluctant To Be Primary Caretakers Of Their Children? Study Finds Dads Take Shorter Parental Leaves

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The first few months of a baby's development is a very important and stressful period of time for the parents. Having a newborn and tackling unfamiliar situations and problems while also worrying about the child’s well-being is a herculean task, too much to handle for a single person. That is why both mother and father must step up and support each other through this time and hence many parents take <span>paternity leaves</span>. These leaves allow parents to only focus on childcare and not work obligations. 

Taking time off work when a baby arrives benefits both fathers and their newborns. However, a new study reveals that most dads still don't take much parental leave, often because they simply can't afford to. The research, published in Pediatrics, found that only 36% of new fathers took more than two weeks of leave, while a significant 64% took two weeks or less. 

<h2>Financial Hurdles Prevent Longer Stays </h2>

This study, which tracked the health and behavior of fathers, surveyed 261 men in Georgia who had children in 2018 or 2019. Of the 240 employed fathers, roughly 73% took some parental leave. However, only about half of those had at least some paid time off, and 20% relied solely on unpaid leave. Nearly 43% of working fathers expressed a desire for more time off but couldn't take it, primarily due to financial concerns. Many cited the inability to afford unpaid leave, insufficient accrued time off, or the fear of losing their jobs. 

Experts agree that when fathers take time off after a baby is born, it's linked to better health for the infant and improved <span>parenting</span> skills for the dad. It's crucial for fathers to experience both the challenges and joys of being a parent. The best way for them to do this is to step away from work and spend time with their new baby without facing money worries or the stress of potentially losing their job. Supporting fathers in taking leave can have a significant positive impact on families.

<h2>Paternity Leaves Helps Father Adapt </h2>

According to Harvard Business Review, research confirms it helps fathers bond with their babies, aids in the baby's development, and strengthens the parents' relationship. But there's a powerful, lesser-known benefit emerging from new studies: it provides a unique form of brain training for fathers. 

Parenting isn't simply an innate ability. While we've long known about the amazing changes a mother's brain undergoes to prepare her for caring for a newborn, new research shows that fathers' brains also transform. These changes happen even without the physical experiences of pregnancy and childbirth or the associated hormonal shifts. This "parental instinct brain training" is possible for all parents. 

Over the past ten years, scientists have learned a lot about neuroplasticity, which is the brain's incredible ability to change its structure and how it works based on new experiences. Becoming a parent is a major time for the brain to adapt. Experts studying this shift emphasize that "fathers are made, not born," meaning spending time with infants is crucial for developing the fathering brain.

For dads, changes in their brains, triggered by their babies' cues, are directly linked to their connection with the infant. This suggests these brain changes actually prepare them for fatherhood. A key finding is that the most impactful brain changes come from active, engaged experience. No one is naturally perfect at being a parent from day one. It's the effort of fully engaging with the baby that drives these brain changes, giving dads the necessary tools to grow into their role over time. 

Quality one-on-one time with your baby is crucial. More time spent alone with an infant leads to bigger brain changes, helping dads become better, more natural caregivers. A study comparing dads in California and Spain showed differences. Spanish dads, who often have more generous paternity leave, showed more brain changes related to focused attention. This suggests dedicated time acts like a "brain workout," preparing dads for parenting. Paternity leave essentially gives you a free brain-training program. The more you engage, the more your brain adapts, making you a more responsive parent over time. 

Fathers role in caretaking

fathers role in babys life

how father impact babys life

Paternity leaves

Maternity leaves

The first few months of a baby's development is a very important and stressful period of time for the parents. Having a newborn and tackling unfamiliar situations and problems while also worrying about the child’s well-being is a herculean task, too much to handle for a single person. That is why both mother and father must step up and support each other through this time and hence many parents take paternity leaves. These leaves allow parents to only focus on childcare and not work obligations. Taking time off work when a baby arrives benefits both fathers and their newborns. However, a new study reveals that most dads still don't take much parental leave, often because they simply can't afford to. The research, published in Pediatrics, found that only 36% of new fathers took more than two weeks of leave, while a significant 64% took two weeks or less. Financial Hurdles Prevent Longer Stays This study, which tracked the health and behavior of fathers, surveyed 261 men in Georgia who had children in 2018 or 2019. Of the 240 employed fathers, roughly 73% took some parental leave. However, only about half of those had at least some paid time off, and 20% relied solely on unpaid leave. Nearly 43% of working fathers expressed a desire for more time off but couldn't take it, primarily due to financial concerns. Many cited the inability to afford unpaid leave, insufficient accrued time off, or the fear of losing their jobs. Why Paternity Leave Matters Experts agree that when fathers take time off after a baby is born, it's linked to better health for the infant and improved parenting skills for the dad. It's crucial for fathers to experience both the challenges and joys of being a parent. The best way for them to do this is to step away from work and spend time with their new baby without facing money worries or the stress of potentially losing their job. Supporting fathers in taking leave can have a significant positive impact on families. Paternity Leaves Helps Father Adapt According to Harvard Business Review, research confirms it helps fathers bond with their babies, aids in the baby's development, and strengthens the parents' relationship. But there's a powerful, lesser-known benefit emerging from new studies: it provides a unique form of brain training for fathers. Paternal Brain Training Parenting isn't simply an innate ability. While we've long known about the amazing changes a mother's brain undergoes to prepare her for caring for a newborn, new research shows that fathers' brains also transform. These changes happen even without the physical experiences of pregnancy and childbirth or the associated hormonal shifts. This "parental instinct brain training" is possible for all parents. Over the past ten years, scientists have learned a lot about neuroplasticity, which is the brain's incredible ability to change its structure and how it works based on new experiences. Becoming a parent is a major time for the brain to adapt. Experts studying this shift emphasize that "fathers are made, not born," meaning spending time with infants is crucial for developing the fathering brain.For dads, changes in their brains, triggered by their babies' cues, are directly linked to their connection with the infant. This suggests these brain changes actually prepare them for fatherhood. A key finding is that the most impactful brain changes come from active, engaged experience. No one is naturally perfect at being a parent from day one. It's the effort of fully engaging with the baby that drives these brain changes, giving dads the necessary tools to grow into their role over time. Why Time with Baby Matters Quality one-on-one time with your baby is crucial. More time spent alone with an infant leads to bigger brain changes, helping dads become better, more natural caregivers. A study comparing dads in California and Spain showed differences. Spanish dads, who often have more generous paternity leave, showed more brain changes related to focused attention. This suggests dedicated time acts like a "brain workout," preparing dads for parenting. Paternity leave essentially gives you a free brain-training program. The more you engage, the more your brain adapts, making you a more responsive parent over time. 

are fathers still reluctant to be primary caretakers of their children? study finds dads take shorter parental leaves

Do Not Force Your Picky Eater Child To Eat - Picky Eaters Dos And Don'ts Guide

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Many people mistake <span>picky eaters</span> for kids who are just being difficult and do not wish to eat certain foods. While that could be the case, many kids who are picky eaters have sensory issues that cause them to physically dislike certain textures or tastes. 

Many parents try to force their children to eat foods they do not like, thinking that by being strict they can ensure their child gets the proper nutrition they need. However, not only does this not work, but it can also discourage the kid from eating as they will quickly associate eating as an unpleasant experience. So, how does a parent ensure their kid gets the proper nutrition they need, while also making sure they feel safe? 

There are many ways to help your child expand their food preferences, but one must know the causes and different ways you can encourage them to eat better. 

<h2>What Causes <span rel="noindex">Picky Eating In Kids</span>? </h2>

According to a 2018 study published in the Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, <span>picky eating</span> is a very common challenge many parents face during their child's early years. There isn't one clear way to define or pinpoint it, and experts don't fully agree on the best method to identify a picky eater. 

If a child experienced significant difficulties with feeding during their infancy, such as trouble latching or swallowing, it can sometimes set the stage for picky eating habits later in childhood. These early struggles can create negative associations with food. 

<h4>Late Introduction of Lumpy Foods </h4>

Delaying the introduction of chunky or textured solid foods during the weaning period, when infants transition from milk to solids, can hinder their acceptance of different food consistencies. This might lead to a preference for smoother purees only. 

When parents try to force or excessively coax a child to eat, it often backfires. This pressure can make mealtime stressful and create resistance in the child, turning eating into a power struggle rather than an enjoyable experience. 

If a child displays early signs of being particular about food choices, especially if their mother expresses worry or anxiety about these behaviors, it can sometimes escalate. Parental concern can inadvertently reinforce the picky eating. 

<h2>What Can Help Prevent Picky Eating? </h2>

The study also gave some simple strategies can help in preventing or reducing picky eating behaviors:

Regularly offering a wide variety of fresh, wholesome foods exposes children to diverse tastes and textures from an early age. This consistent exposure helps them develop a broader palate and acceptance of different ingredients over time.

Eating the same meal as your child encourages them to try new foods by seeing you enjoy them. It creates a positive and shared mealtime experience, fostering a sense of belonging and making food exploration feel more natural and inviting. 

<h2>Tips To Help Kids Overcome Their Picky Eating </h2>

Children are great imitators! When you visibly enjoy a new food yourself, showing them how much you like it, your child is far more likely to feel curious and brave enough to give it a taste. Lead by example. 

Transform mealtime into a playful experience by arranging fruits and vegetables into silly shapes or funny faces on their plate. This simple trick makes eating an engaging game, shifting focus from "having to eat" to enjoyable discovery. 

Empower your child by offering a limited selection of healthy food options and letting them make the final decision. This sense of control often reduces resistance and increases their willingness to explore and try what they've picked. 

Always pair a new or less-preferred food with a comforting dish your child already adores. This familiar favorite acts as a safety net, making the new food seem less intimidating and more approachable when presented together. 

When you have small amounts of uneaten healthy food, instead of discarding them, freeze tiny portions. This clever strategy allows you to reintroduce the food later, reducing waste and providing more opportunities for exposure. 

Remember that acceptance takes time; it's completely normal for a child to reject a new food multiple times before liking it, sometimes over ten attempts. Simply reintroduce it after a few days without pressure. 

picky eating

Picky Eaters Dos And Donts Guide

Picky Eating In Kids

Picky Eaters

Can you prevent picky eating

Many people mistake picky eaters for kids who are just being difficult and do not wish to eat certain foods. While that could be the case, many kids who are picky eaters have sensory issues that cause them to physically dislike certain textures or tastes. Many parents try to force their children to eat foods they do not like, thinking that by being strict they can ensure their child gets the proper nutrition they need. However, not only does this not work, but it can also discourage the kid from eating as they will quickly associate eating as an unpleasant experience. So, how does a parent ensure their kid gets the proper nutrition they need, while also making sure they feel safe? There are many ways to help your child expand their food preferences, but one must know the causes and different ways you can encourage them to eat better. What Causes Picky Eating In Kids? According to a 2018 study published in the Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, picky eating is a very common challenge many parents face during their child's early years. There isn't one clear way to define or pinpoint it, and experts don't fully agree on the best method to identify a picky eater. Early Feeding Problems If a child experienced significant difficulties with feeding during their infancy, such as trouble latching or swallowing, it can sometimes set the stage for picky eating habits later in childhood. These early struggles can create negative associations with food. Late Introduction of Lumpy Foods Delaying the introduction of chunky or textured solid foods during the weaning period, when infants transition from milk to solids, can hinder their acceptance of different food consistencies. This might lead to a preference for smoother purees only. Pressure to Eat When parents try to force or excessively coax a child to eat, it often backfires. This pressure can make mealtime stressful and create resistance in the child, turning eating into a power struggle rather than an enjoyable experience. Early Pickiness If a child displays early signs of being particular about food choices, especially if their mother expresses worry or anxiety about these behaviors, it can sometimes escalate. Parental concern can inadvertently reinforce the picky eating. What Can Help Prevent Picky Eating? The study also gave some simple strategies can help in preventing or reducing picky eating behaviors:Fresh Foods Regularly offering a wide variety of fresh, wholesome foods exposes children to diverse tastes and textures from an early age. This consistent exposure helps them develop a broader palate and acceptance of different ingredients over time. Family Meals Eating the same meal as your child encourages them to try new foods by seeing you enjoy them. It creates a positive and shared mealtime experience, fostering a sense of belonging and making food exploration feel more natural and inviting. Tips To Help Kids Overcome Their Picky Eating Try it First Children are great imitators! When you visibly enjoy a new food yourself, showing them how much you like it, your child is far more likely to feel curious and brave enough to give it a taste. Lead by example. Make Food Fun Transform mealtime into a playful experience by arranging fruits and vegetables into silly shapes or funny faces on their plate. This simple trick makes eating an engaging game, shifting focus from "having to eat" to enjoyable discovery. Let Them Choose Empower your child by offering a limited selection of healthy food options and letting them make the final decision. This sense of control often reduces resistance and increases their willingness to explore and try what they've picked. Serve with Favorites Always pair a new or less-preferred food with a comforting dish your child already adores. This familiar favorite acts as a safety net, making the new food seem less intimidating and more approachable when presented together. Don't Waste Food When you have small amounts of uneaten healthy food, instead of discarding them, freeze tiny portions. This clever strategy allows you to reintroduce the food later, reducing waste and providing more opportunities for exposure. Be Patient Remember that acceptance takes time; it's completely normal for a child to reject a new food multiple times before liking it, sometimes over ten attempts. Simply reintroduce it after a few days without pressure. 

do not force your picky eater child to eat - picky eaters dos and don'ts guide

Smartphones For Kids Becomes A Common Trend - Average Age For Smartphones Revealed To Be 9

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Nowadays, it is very common to see kids as young as 1st or 2nd graders having phones. While having phones on their person helps parents keep a closer eye on them, but is this much exposure to electronic devices, ok? 

A survey reveals that many parents feel pushed to buy smartphones for their kids, even when they have doubts. Researchers studied 500 parents with children aged 8 to 13 found that almost half felt pressured into buying a phone. Another 44% worried their child would feel "left out" without one, showing how big this decision is for families. 

Even though most parents (74%) had concerns at first, a quarter gave their child a smartphone without talking about if they were ready emotionally. The study also showed that a small number of parents (13%) put very few or no limits on phone use. Most of these parents felt their kids would just find ways around any rules anyway. 

This study was requested by Motorola to highlight helpful online tools and advice from a UK children's charity. It aims to show the tough choices parents face when getting their child's first phone. 

An expert noted that there's no "right" age to give a child their first phone. It really depends on each child and what that family needs. They stressed that parents should think about why their child needs a phone. If it's just for calls and texts, a simpler phone might be better than a smartphone. The expert also highlighted how important it is for parents and kids to talk openly about staying safe online. 

Another survey, which included 500 children aged 8 to 13, found that 44% of kids were going online or using apps without their parents knowing. What's more concerning, during this unsupervised time, 31% saw things they felt were not appropriate for their age. 

<h2>Why Smartphones Are Still Popular </h2>

Even with these concerns, most parents are still choosing smartphones over simpler devices for their kids. The main reasons are safety features and GPS tracking, with over half of parents (56%) seeing these as key benefits. A representative from the phone company said, "It's important to ensure children are equipped with the right guidance and boundaries when it comes to smartphone use and internet access." The company is actively working with charities to give parents the tools and information to make smart choices about their children's smartphone use. 

<h2>Do Smartphones Affects Children’s Health </h2>

A 2022 study done by European Child &amp; Adolescent Psychiatry, states that more and more kids and teens are using cell phones and other wireless gadgets. The study found some evidence suggesting that a lot of general phone and device use might be linked to more outward behavior problems like being hyper or aggressive in younger kids and teens. However, the results were less clear for inward problems like anxiety or depression. 

Another 2023 study published in the Journal of Therapies &amp; Rehabilitation Sciences, detailed the physical as well as mental aspects of smartphone usage in kids. 

Spending too much time looking down at smartphones is really impacting kids' bodies. This often leads to poor posture, where their necks are bent forward for long periods, causing stiffness and pain. It can also limit how much they can move their neck and put extra strain on their spine. Plus, this constant bent-neck position can even affect their breathing, making their lungs work less well and weakening the muscles they use to breathe. These problems are also connected to kids being less fit and sometimes gaining too much weight. 

Beyond just physical issues, using smartphones too much can also hurt kids' minds and feelings. It can make real-life friendships weaker, leading to kids feeling more lonely and shy around others. Emotionally, a lot of screen time might make them act immature, have unstable moods, struggle to pay attention, and have less self-control. Another big problem is that using phones a lot is linked to more sleep problems, meaning kids aren't getting the rest they need to be healthy and happy. 

smartphones affects childrens health

Should kids have smartphones

smartphones and health

how smartphones affect kids

smartphones and kids

Nowadays, it is very common to see kids as young as 1st or 2nd graders having phones. While having phones on their person helps parents keep a closer eye on them, but is this much exposure to electronic devices, ok? A survey reveals that many parents feel pushed to buy smartphones for their kids, even when they have doubts. Researchers studied 500 parents with children aged 8 to 13 found that almost half felt pressured into buying a phone. Another 44% worried their child would feel "left out" without one, showing how big this decision is for families. Worries and Few Rules Even though most parents (74%) had concerns at first, a quarter gave their child a smartphone without talking about if they were ready emotionally. The study also showed that a small number of parents (13%) put very few or no limits on phone use. Most of these parents felt their kids would just find ways around any rules anyway. This study was requested by Motorola to highlight helpful online tools and advice from a UK children's charity. It aims to show the tough choices parents face when getting their child's first phone. Is There a "Right" Age? An expert noted that there's no "right" age to give a child their first phone. It really depends on each child and what that family needs. They stressed that parents should think about why their child needs a phone. If it's just for calls and texts, a simpler phone might be better than a smartphone. The expert also highlighted how important it is for parents and kids to talk openly about staying safe online. Another survey, which included 500 children aged 8 to 13, found that 44% of kids were going online or using apps without their parents knowing. What's more concerning, during this unsupervised time, 31% saw things they felt were not appropriate for their age. Why Smartphones Are Still Popular Even with these concerns, most parents are still choosing smartphones over simpler devices for their kids. The main reasons are safety features and GPS tracking, with over half of parents (56%) seeing these as key benefits. A representative from the phone company said, "It's important to ensure children are equipped with the right guidance and boundaries when it comes to smartphone use and internet access." The company is actively working with charities to give parents the tools and information to make smart choices about their children's smartphone use. Do Smartphones Affects Children’s Health A 2022 study done by European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, states that more and more kids and teens are using cell phones and other wireless gadgets. The study found some evidence suggesting that a lot of general phone and device use might be linked to more outward behavior problems like being hyper or aggressive in younger kids and teens. However, the results were less clear for inward problems like anxiety or depression. Another 2023 study published in the Journal of Therapies & Rehabilitation Sciences, detailed the physical as well as mental aspects of smartphone usage in kids. Physical Health Spending too much time looking down at smartphones is really impacting kids' bodies. This often leads to poor posture, where their necks are bent forward for long periods, causing stiffness and pain. It can also limit how much they can move their neck and put extra strain on their spine. Plus, this constant bent-neck position can even affect their breathing, making their lungs work less well and weakening the muscles they use to breathe. These problems are also connected to kids being less fit and sometimes gaining too much weight. Mental Health and Well-being Beyond just physical issues, using smartphones too much can also hurt kids' minds and feelings. It can make real-life friendships weaker, leading to kids feeling more lonely and shy around others. Emotionally, a lot of screen time might make them act immature, have unstable moods, struggle to pay attention, and have less self-control. Another big problem is that using phones a lot is linked to more sleep problems, meaning kids aren't getting the rest they need to be healthy and happy. 

smartphones for kids becomes a common trend - average age for smartphones revealed to be 9

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Screen Time Could Be Slowing Your Kids Down, Here's What The Study Says

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Smartphones For Kids Becomes A Common Trend - Average Age For Smartphones Revealed To Be 9

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