Forget the milestones of walking and talking; for many babies, getting familiar with mobile devices comes first. A recent study published in Pediatrics has found that infants as young as one year old are already spending an average of over 20 minutes a day on tablets.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against screen time for children under two, emphasizing that real-life interactions are crucial for their learning and development. However, this new research suggests that early exposure to technology might not be entirely negative. “Becoming comfortable with mobile devices is a stepping stone to digital literacy,” explains study co-author Loretta Thompson. The AAP acknowledges that “screen time” is increasingly becoming just “time” and recommends limiting device access and establishing tech-free zones when possible.
Earlier this year, findings presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting revealed that 36% of babies have interacted with a touch screen device before their first birthday. And that’s not all; 24% have even made calls, 15% have used apps, and 12% have played video games! The study surveyed 370 parents of kids aged six months to four years and found some children were on screens for as long as 30 minutes. The prevalence of such devices in homes likely contributes to these statistics, with 97% of families having TVs, 83% owning tablets, and 77% having smartphones.
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In summary, the early use of mobile devices by infants is becoming a norm, with many starting to engage with technology well before they hit their first birthday. While screen time guidelines suggest caution, familiarity with devices can be seen as a pathway to digital literacy.
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