Ten reasons why handheld devices should be banned for children under the age of 12!
Prevention of Internet Addiction Disorder
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Society of Pediatrics report that infants aged 0-2 years should not have any exposure to technology, 3-5 years be restricted to one hour per day, and 6-18 years restricted to 2 hours per day (AAP 2001/13, CPS 2010). Children and youth that use 4-5 times the recommended amount of technology, with serious and often life threatening consequences(Kaiser Foundation 2010, Active Healthy Kids Canada 2012).
Handheld devices (cell phones, pads, tablets, electronic games) have dramatically increased the accessibility and usage of technology by all age groups. Researchers also note the rapidly escalating usage, especially by very young children (Common Sense Media, 2013). Cris Rowan, pediatric occupational therapist is calling on parents, teachers, doctors and government to ban the use of all handheld devices for children under the age of 12 years. Following are ten research evidenced reasons for this ban. Please visit zonein.ca to view the Zone’in Fact Sheet for referenced research surrounding internet addiction. Internet Addiction Disorder is proving to be a pervasive problem . . .
