The Health Awareness calendar dedicates the month of August to children’s health.
The wide umbrella term that is children’s health encompasses many facets. This article will draw specific attention to the effects of technology on child development.
The formation and structure of today’s families are greatly influenced by technology. Instead of chatting about the day, we watch TV or play on our cell phones.
Technology seems to have taken over the vast majority of children’s lives and influences the way they play. Children are now entertained by screens and other devices which do not challenge their imagination and hindering creativity. Sitting in front of the TV after school, browsing the internet, tablets and cell phones as well as playing video games all affect a child’s development. The first few years of any child’s life are the most delicate as this is the time when the motor, sensory and attachment systems are formed. Without enough motor and sensory challenges, a child does not reach optimal development and sitting in front of the TV without any form of exercise, is leading to weight gain in children, resulting in child obesity and diabetes.
When a child engages in gross motor play, such as climbing a tree outside, there are so many sensory and motor milestones that are reached. Physical movement and sensory stimulation all contribute to the development of balance, posture and bilateral coordina-  tion, which is the use of both sides of the body.
The high speed lives children now live combined with the constant change of entertainment when they are bored affects their attention span and lead to difficulty with concentrating in the classroom.
So, what can be done for your child? Here are a few tips to get them off the couch.   Young children need at least 2Z3 hours of physical play a day. This includes playing on a jungle gym, kicking a ball and running around, being active. If you are wondering why?  It’s because their vestibular systems, the place that generates balance is being developed during this active play. Their visual and auditory systems are currently in over-  load which means it’s time to cut down on the TV and video games. But it is important to remember that everything is good in  moderation. Provide your child with a balance between physical play and technology. Break up the hours of the day into sections to provide a balanced routine for your child who enjoys TV, tablet and video game time.
If you are worried about their development, stop by the rehabilitation department at the hospital. Occupational therapy helps children with delayed developmental milestones by stimulating motor and sensory sys-tems and assist children who have difficulty learning. For more information, call 056 816 2154.  (Resource: HuffPost- Cris Rowen)