Growing up in a digital world

They are surrounded by electronic devices with access to online games, videos, and movies that attract the attention of the little ones by the eagerness of color, sound, and the variety of activities available.

Studies show that the recurrence to digital is increasing in order to facilitate everyday habits, for example, when the child is eating and at the same time watching videos. This prevents them from feeling the taste, smell, and everything goes to the "automatic to open and close the mouth" or with distortions of images of food.

One of the main characteristics of the digital world is its power of super visual stimulation to the detriment of all other senses so it is necessary that the child build and experience the multisensory perceptions: sensations of touch, hearing, taste are developing, in the brain and mental development.

Offering the mobile phone as a "toy" or "distraction" is not advisable according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). It is recommended that the introduction of digital devices begins after the age of three so that there is a correct brain, mental, and sensory development of the child.

What to do?

Our generations X (1960-1979) and Millenials (1980-1996) grew up without or little contact with technology. What was there was the interaction between parents, grandparents, uncles through games, and stories reading.

A Portuguese study shows that children under 8 years of age currently play mostly alone with tablets and learn autonomously. But children need to grow up and create social link in childhood.

Today the generation is more for Minecraft or Splatoon, not that this is completely wrong or that it does not bring any benefit. But we must combine the best in our childhood, play run and catch, marble, hopscotch, and bring it to the present day.