The battle between parents and our children’s access to electronic devices is a serious one —
and it’s one parents must strive to win. Yet, many times, our own personal addictions to these
same devices only fuel our children’s dependence even more. With their frontal lobes not yet
fully developed, it’s almost impossible for children to regulate their device usage on their own.
Electronic devices emit electromagnetic waves that can disrupt our natural energy field,
leaving behind short attention spans, feelings of anxiety, and a sense of dependency. The
blue light they emit can damage vision and interfere with melatonin production — the hormone
that helps us achieve long, restful, and uninterrupted sleep. An overproduction of dopamine,
often triggered by digital stimulation, can lead to detachment from reality in both adults and
children.
Understanding the Impact
The side effects of excessive screen use affect us all, but they impact children more deeply
because their bodies and brains are still developing. Digital dementia is a term used to
describe a hypothetical cognitive decline caused by excessive use of digital devices. People
who spend large amounts of time on screens may experience shorter attention spans,
memory problems, and reduced reasoning abilities. Possible symptoms include difficulty
concentrating, memory loss, reduced attention span, slower processing speed, confusion and
disorientation, and increased anxiety or depression — especially when the device is
unavailable due to low battery, malfunction, or removal. We must remember that our
children’s brains are still forming, and anything that interrupts that process can lead to a state
of arrested development.
Steps Toward a Healthier Digital Life
Fortunately, it’s not all doom and gloom. There are practical steps we can take to protect our
families:
- Limit screen time — Allow gaming and social media only on weekends.
- Cap daily non-essential use to 2–3 hours (not including calls, texts, or emails).
- Turn off screens at least one hour before bedtime.
- Use blue-light glasses for the whole family.
- Eat well and live actively — move your body, spend time outdoors, play board games,
and read physical books. - Get full, restful sleep every night.
The Real-Time Experiment
The real-world test of how these devices affect us is happening in real time — on us. We must
do what’s necessary to reclaim our existence. Digital devices have undeniable benefits. They
make communication, work, and daily tasks easier. But we must make mindful choices today
that our future selves will thank us for. Personally, I believe children under seven should not
have constant — if any — access to digital devices. The first seven years are critical
developmental years, and limiting dependency on screens can help us reconnect with
ourselves and elevate socially.