NO GADGETS FOR TOTS, SAY

Early exposure to gadgets affects child’s interest on interaction and language

Children aged two years old and below should avoid gadget exposure, a study said.

Child and Adolescent Neuro Development (CANDEV) training officer and chairperson of department of pediatrics of Brokenshire Hospital doctor Ferriza Maria Isaguire told the reporters in an interview at SM City Davao on Monday that this was based on the study by Philippine Pediatric Society and American Academy of Pediatrics on the possible effects of early exposure of gadgets on the child's behavior.

Isaguirre added early exposure to gadget affects the child's interest on interaction and language since they are already satisfied with the interaction they get from playing Youtube videos.

"Yung focus at attention nila pag masyadong maaga silang na exposed pwedeng later on pag dumating na sila sa school age hindi sila nakakatutok ng matagal," she said.

She noted that the first two years are the formative years of the child's brain which means that they should be taught by parents and guardian proper interaction, language, and play.

She added parents should limit the gadget use of children two years old or younger in no more than two hours a day.

"Nothing replaces face to face interaction with the mother, with the caregivers, you don't have to use sophisticated toys. Yung simple lang na kakausapin mo yung anak mo habang kumakain kayo," she said.

Meanwhile, Isaguirre clarified that excess gadget use is not a factor of autism cases among children. She said early signs of autism includes early loss of language and the difference of playing interests and habits as compared to most children.

Nothing replaces face to face interaction with the mother, with the caregivers, you don’t have to use sophisticated toys. Yung simple lang na kakausapin mo yung anak mo habang kumakain kayo. DR. FERRIZA MARIA ISAGUIRE Child and Adolescent Neuro Development (CANDEV) training officer and chairperson of department of pediatrics