Researchers Warn That Tablets & Smartphones Could Impair Development Skills

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that use of interactive screen time under 30 months could also impair a child’s development of the skills needed for maths and science. Using a smartphone or iPad to pacify a toddler may impede their ability to learn self-regulation. The researchers warned that using a tablet or smartphone to divert a child’s attention could be detrimental to “their social-emotional development. Use of interactive screen time below three years of age could also impair a child’s development of the skills needed for maths and science, they found, although they also said some studies suggested benefits to toddlers’ use of mobile devices including in early literacy skills, or better academic engagement in students with autism. Researcher pointed out that toddlers under 30 months learn more from human interaction than videos and television. Building blocks is preferred over electronic gadgets to learn early math skills. Read More