Misuse of new technologies, sleep and behaviour are closely linked
New technologies certainly represent a great opportunity to learn, have fun and grow up. Nevertheless, it is important to stress that at any age, and especially with children, it is necessary to use smartphones and tablets responsibly and correctly.
A study published in 2019, carried out in collaboration with FIMP, analysed the behaviours and habits of around 3,000 Italian children aged between 1 and 5 years in several areas including the use of new technologies:
Technological devices directly and indirectly represent a brain overload, due to too many stimuli, which disturbs the quality and quantity of sleep. We have already talked about the importance of a good sleep routine and how to help children sleep.
When mobile phones and tablets are used incorrectly and especially in the late afternoon or even just before going to bed, both the excitement they produce and the blue light they emit (very similar to sunlight) 'wake up' the little ones, who are then only able to fall asleep much later.
On a behavioural level, it was observed that these children slept less and worse, and were consequently more aggressive towards adults (parents, teachers, etc.) and peers, disrespectful of rules, hyperactive and unable to handle frustrations.
Here are some tips for the correct use of mobile phones and tablets by children