Tech devices ‘foster’ children’s anxiety

Minders should be trained and certified, an expert claims

Children’s separation anxiety and nannies’ reliance on using computers to entertain them are challenges for parents, says a behavioural expert.

“Infants and young children are spending most of their time in the care of nannies, most of whom have little or no training in child- related topics,” said Muna Awaleh, a co-founder of H&A Parental Guidance, which trains nannies.

They teach nannies parenting skills such as child care, first aid and potty training.

Children’s use of social media and attachment to smartphones and tablets are fostering their anxiety, said Ms Awaleh.

“Parents find it hard to cope with the relationship their children have with various devices, and children hardly any interaction with their peers and

‘ Parents find it hard to cope with the relationship their children have with various devices Muna Awaleh co-founder of H&A Parental Guidance

family members,” she added.

“We’ve also seen increasing cases of anxiety and depression among children and young adults in the UAE.”

Ms Awaleh said nannies in the UAE are usually not trained in parenting skills and childcare. “Some of them are trained in first aid, but in our opinion every nanny, without any exception, should be trained and certified in first aid when they are taking care of children,” she said.