Commentary

Mobile Devices Can Affect Teen Sleep, Toddler Development

Over the last few years smartphones and tablets have become ubiquitous, with little understanding of their effects on users’ cognition and psychology. Now there is growing concern about their effect on childhood development in particular. Two studies published this week suggest mobile devices can have a harmful effect on teens and toddlers.

In the first study, researchers in Norway surveyed 10,000 teenagers aged 16-19 about their sleeping patterns and mobile device usage. The survey found that teenagers who spent more than four hours per day were over three times as likely to sleep under five hours a night; furthermore, they were 49% more likely to need over an hour to fall asleep.

The study seems to corroborate earlier research showing that the light emitted by mobile device screens can reset our internal sleep clock. For example, one study found that iPad users needed longer to fall asleep, didn’t feel as sleepy, and had less “rapid eye movement” (REM) sleep, as well as secreting less sleep-regulating melatonin. Doctors have suggested that people of all ages stop using mobile devices just before they go to sleep. They have also encouraged non-light-emitting alternatives like good old-fashioned books.

Another article, published this week in the journal Pediatrics, warns that unsupervised mobile device use can stunt ordinary development in toddlers. The authors note that this is a real risk, as many parents are using mobile devices as ersatz babysitters: “Use of mobile media to occupy young children during daily routines such as errands, car rides and eating out is becoming a common behavioural regulation tool: what the industry terms a ‘shut-up toy.’”

Although mobile devices can be useful education tools, the authors urge that this must be balanced with traditional unstructured play, in which children get to interact with their physical environment as well as other children, building social comprehension.

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