Avoid exposing young children to screens

 According to experts, a child’s first year of life is crucial for their development, and during this time they should not be exposed to any screens at all as this can lead to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in young children.

A child with autism is unable to interact socially with peers in a typical way due to a neurological deficiency in brain functioning. It makes it difficult to engage and speak with other people.

In fact, there is rise in chil­dren’s screen time exposure in this technological age. While there are unquestionable advantages to elec­tronic gadgets, too much screen time can be harmful to a child’s brain development.

Communication problems, strange social interactions, delayed cognitive and learning capacities, and improper emotional responses are a few of these.

Apart from watching TV, young children are given iPads, tablets, phones, and other electronic gad­gets to use for extended periods of time without parental supervision. This puts the children in danger.

Studies have shown that chil­dren who spend more time in front of screens are more likely to acquire ASD, even though other studies have found that children who play video games do better academically and in terms of intel­lectual functioning.

Still, not enough information has been gathered to validate this association.

Additionally, compared to chil­dren exposed later or never ex­posed to screens at all throughout their early years of life, children who are exposed to screens earli­er in life have a higher chance of having ASD.

Over the past few years, au­tism has become more common in Ghana, where many young children have reported to medical facilities showing symptoms of the illness.

It is often believed that people with autism typically have less fulfilling lives than those without the condition because of their social isolation and low self-es­teem, which can create anxiety and sadness.

Parental stress and family stress are common when a child has autism. Taking care of the child’s requests requires patience because it takes a lot of time and can quick­ly lead to tension, agitation, and exhaustion in a mother.

Furthermore, it can be challeng­ing for a woman to raise an autistic child and take care of the rest of the family if she is experiencing mental, emotional, or financial difficulties.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that children under the age of two should not use screens at all, while children over the age of three should only use screens for one hour each day.

So, prior to the age of two, par­ents should refrain from allowing their children to use screens unsu­pervised. If you notice any indica­tions of a disorder in your child, get assistance as soon as possible to help treat the condition.

Have face-to-face conversations with your children and make sure they are exposed to outdoor play and toys rather than letting them use phones and iPads.