Digital Dementia, the impairment of cognitive ability due to overuse of technology, is a growing concern for the medical community, educators and parents. Add in the physical effects on posture and the social ramifications and many parents, me included, may be tempted to throw out all devices. But, is there an alternative?
Advancements in technology are beneficial to the advancement of society in an economic and business sense. However, the long-term impacts of the technology are still unknown.
Digital Technology and Child Development
Young people are now being born into a world where it is normal to spend an average of 8 hours each day exposed to digital technology. This exposure is rewiring their brain’s neural circuitry.
Data shows that nearly 70% of 11 to 12-year-old kids use a mobile phone; 90 percent by the age of 14 (Williams, 2016). My son is headed for Middle School in just a few short months and am dreading the day he asks for his own phone.
The human brain is plastic and adaptable and always changing in response to the environment. Children’s brains are particularly adaptable in development, which is now when the brain is most exposed to technology.
According to Williams (2016) increased screen time neglects the circuits in the brain that control more traditional methods for learning in the frontal lobe. These are typically used for reading, writing and concentration.
The Digital Dementia Summit
I do not have the answers to this epidemic. I am not an expert in the field. But the 60 speakers at the Digital Dementia Summit are.
At The Digital Dementia Summit, you’ll discover how to:
- Enhance your child’s brain for health and success
- Stay connected in a disconnected world
- Mandate safe screen tips and content quality standards
- Safeguard your children’s brain from overstimulation
- Implement diet and exercise hacks
- and more!
Every day from May 20-26 you will be able to listen to the day’s speakers on demand so you can slip it in when you can: on your lunch break, waiting in the pick up line, at your child’s practice, instead of TV time when they are in bed (lead by example, right?).
—>>Click here to join me at The Digital Dementia Summit, free and online!
Register today, you’ll also unlock Dr. Krista’s Digital Dementia Prevention eGuide and 7 Steps to Save Your Child’s Brain eChecklist! I already dowloaded mine and am working on a strategy for summer break.
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