How gadgets affect children’s brains: alarming findings of scientists

Smartphones and tablets have become a part of everyday life not only for adults but also for children. The younger generation often uses gadgets without any restrictions. But the worst part is that children are getting used to smartphones and tablets as early as 2-3 years old.

The scientific journal JAMA Pediatrics has published the results of a study that showed that smartphones can provoke irreversible changes in children’s brains. This study involved the analysis of MRI images. It was determined that children who play with gadgets for more than an hour a day have poorer brain development. In the course of studying the images, the researchers came to the conclusion that the white matter in the brain is negatively affected. White matter is a cluster of neuronal processes responsible for conducting nerve impulses. And thanks to white matter, conductive pathways are formed, which are responsible for connecting the brain and spinal cord.

The negative impact of gadgets on the white matter leads to the fact that children develop key skills such as speech and writing worse. That is, the more a child uses a smartphone or tablet, the slower they develop. As a result, it affects academic performance.

Prolonged use of gadgets affects even a well-developed adult brain. But for children, this impact is extremely dangerous. That is why pediatricians strongly recommend limiting the use of smartphones for children, especially under the age of 11. Experts emphasize that otherwise, gadgets cause children to have difficulty communicating, difficulty adapting to society, and less interest in learning. In addition, the younger generation is becoming much more prone to anxiety, fatigue, and decreased concentration and attention. Instead of smartphones, children should be encouraged to play active games, read books, engage in creative activities, and interact with their peers.

Don’t forget that taking care of a child’s development in the early stages of their life is an investment in their future. Instead of spending time behind a screen, you should focus the attention of the younger generation on developing skills that will help them grow into healthy, intelligent and harmonious individuals.