Parents urged to avoid using electronic devices to pacify children

A pediatrician has urged parents to refrain from using electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to pacify children between the ages of one and eight.

The statement was made by Dr. Saowapa Phornchindarak, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician from BNH Hospital. She said that using the devices would discourage the toddler from interacting with family members or maintaining focus on a particular task.

She said these electronic devices should not be introduced to toddlers younger than two years old, referring to standard practices of the Paediatric Society of Thailand and the American Pediatric Society. Dr. Saowapa added that a toddler should not be exposed to the devices for longer than 1-2 hours a day.

She also suggested parents not to use these devices when they are spending their time with their child, as the gadgets would draw the kid’s attention away from the parents. Dr. Saowapa stated that in order to foster better interaction between parents and children, parents should establish a greater presence in their children’s lives than that of electronic devices.

NNT

Stay updated with Samui Times by following us on Facebook.