Electronic Gadgets Impact Behaviour, Physical Growth Of Kids, Says Study

06 December, New Delhi

Usage of electronic gadgets, including smartphones and tablets for longer period of time, can adversely affect the physical growth, musculature of children, says a study.

According to experts, sometimes the consequences can be so severe that it becomes unable for a child to even hold the pencil properly.”Albeit the importance and necessity of electronic gadgets like tablets and smartphones cannot be ignored in today’s time in dissemination of information and communication, caution needs to be exercised while they land up in the kids’ hands,” they said.

In most cases, it is seen that once the children get hold of electronic gadgets, they play with it with absolute concentration for longer period of time, which results in their under development, the experts opined.The findings are based on a recent study conducted on school children by Bob Drave, principal, East London situated Redbridge infant school.

During the study, the children were exposed to tablet usage for an extended period of time. In time, it was seen that continuous usage of the gadget resulted in weaker muscle tone, especially having a negative impact on the axial system of the skeleton.

However, it was concluded that there was an inverse proportion between the age and impact of the gadget on children.Smaller children aged between 4-5 years were worse affected than those with an increased age.”It was seen that the younger children reported stress, inactivity in the upper portion of their bodies. This could be primarily due to inadequate mobility of muscles,” Drave said.