Behind the Screen: How Gadgets Could Be Slowing Down Our Toddlers

  Gadget is a term used to describe a small electronic device that has a special function and can be used portablely. Gadgets often have elegant and modern designs, and are easy to use. Many researchers have studied that childern spend average of their time on different gadgets like telephone, radio, TV, games and stereo system. They spend most of their time in these activities and don’t pay attention to their posture, screen brightness, and screen distance from their eyes which ultimately affect their vision and health.

    The use of gadgets in toddlers has become a hot topic of discussion. On one hand, gadgets offer easy access to information and entertainment that can stimulate a child's cognitive development. However, on the other hand, excessive use of gadgets can have negative impacts. Prolonged screen exposure can disrupt a toddler's vision development and sleep patterns. Additionally, direct social interaction can be hindered as children focus more on gadget screens. Gadget dependence can also trigger behavioral and emotional problems in toddlers. Compared to the past, today's children tend to be more passive and less physically active due to their dependence on gadgets. Therefore, it is important for parents to wisely manage gadget use in early childhood.

    These day, more and more parents are handing gadgets to their toddlers-even babies. Some do it to keep the child quiet, while others just need a short break. And honestly, I get that. But the things is, many parents still don’t realize that this habit could affect their child’s development in ways their never expected.

     One of the biggest concerns, in my opinion, is how screen time can delay a toddler’s speech development. When kids spend too much time starti g at screens, they miss out on real-life conversations and interactions. And those things are essential for them to learn how to speak properly. A 2017 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that childern who had more than two hours of screen time each day were more likely to experience speech delays. Similarly, research from the University of Toronto in 2019 showed that toddlers who used handheld screens more frequently had lower expressive language scores. Another study, publised in JAMA Pediatrics (2020), revealed that toddlers who had higher screen exposure scored lower in language and literacy assessments when they reached preschool age. This clearly shows how early screen habits can affect long-term communication skills.

    It doesn’t stop there. I also believe too much screen time negatively affects toddlers physically. Sitting for hours whith minimal movement can lead to weight gain and poor motor development. I’ve personally noticed how some young kids get used to staying still for long periods-and that’s really not healthy for their age. On top of that, looking at gadgets too closely or holding them the wrong way can cause eye strain and bad posture. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), childern under five should be physically active for at three hours each day, and their screen time should be limited to just one hour. A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) also found that excessive screen time can interfere with brain development, especially in areas responsible for language, reading, and self-regulation. Supporting this, Curtin University (2021) found that toddlers who had high screen time showed slower motor skill development and weaker physical coordination compared to childern who spent more time doing hands-on physical play.

   To wrap it up, I personally believe that while gadgets might seem harmless or even helpful sometimes, they can cause real damage if overused-especially for todddlers. That doesn’t mean we need to completely ban screens, but we definitely need to use them wisely. My suggestion? Let’s start setting clear boundaries when it comes to screen time. Encourage more real-word activities like talking, reading, drawing, or playing outside. Because in the end, it’s real-life experience-not screens-that help kids grow up healthy and strong.