The Impact of Gadget to Toddlers

The use of gadgets among toddlers is becoming a trend and controversial. Some say that gadgets have the potential to enhance children’s cognitive skills and creativity. Others fear that excessive use of gadgets will affect their social life and health. Toddlers spending many hours on gadgets are bound to be emotional difficulties, less active and with delayed communication skills. Parents must therefore regulate the use of gadgets to prevent negative effects on child development.

            One clear bad effect of using gadgets too much is that toddlers become slow in speaking and talking. Even if gadgets have some learning videos, they cannot replace real talking with people. In Indonesian, there was a case in Jakarta where 3 year old child who used a smartphone too much had trouble talking and making eye contact. Doctors thought the child had autism, but it was caused by too much screen time. This shows that using gadgets too much can stop children from learning how to talk and understand emotions. Talking face-to-face is very important for brain growth and communication.

            Another bad result is that toddlers move their body less, which can make them unhealty. Gadgets like phones and tablets only need fingers to touch the screen, but toys like blocks or playing outside help children move more. A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 said that children under 5 years old should have at least 3 hours of physical activity every day, but many children do not reach this because of too much screen time. An article from Puskesmas Meninting in West Lombok explains that children who spend too much on gadgets are more likely to have emotional problems such as frequent tantrums, low emphaty, and even eearly signs of depression. If children play outside, they can express emotions, socialize, and build better mood and confidence. This helps both their body and emotional health. So, parents should control how long toddlers use gadgets to support healthy development.

            In conclusion, the use many hour on gadgets among toddlers may lead to negative effects. Toodlers who spend too much time on screens are at the risk of delayed speech, less activity, and emotional difficulties. Therefore, parents should regulate gadgets use and ensure that children engage in real-life interactions and active play to support healthy development.