Global indices indicate that excessive use of screens can damage children’s cognitive development; pedagogical director of Super Cérebro provides an overview of the topic
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Hong Kong revealed that chronic screen use alters children’s neuroplasticity, impairing the formation and reorganization of the brain’s neural networks.
According to the research, shared by the magazine Very interestingThere is no safe limit, in daily times, for children’s use of digital media. The research analyzed 33 clinical studies, with more than 30 thousand children.
Renata Aguilar, pedagogical director of Super Cérebro, a method for the integral development of children, young people and adults, highlights that Brazil has stood out as a country with excessive consumption of screens and electronic devices.
“Social, economic and cultural factors have a major impact on this. Entertainment on social networks has become increasingly common among families, with parents speaking to their children via electronic devices within the home,” he notes.
Aguilar points out that, with the pandemic, this habit has intensified – and what was previously forbidden has become a mandatory resource in some schools.
“Another worrying factor is the rapid spread of superficial information and fake news. Our brains are curious; songs, images and videos of less than 1 minute quickly go viral,” he points out. “Furthermore, digital job search in the illusion of high earnings can also influence this scenario,” he adds.
Aguilar believes that excessive use of screens can lead to decreased attention and concentration, a feeling of momentary gratification, and negative impacts on memory and attention. Additionally, it can cause difficulties in relationships and academic performance, sleep and eating problems, as children may eat more or less than they should due to excessive time spent on devices.
“This excessive use can also lead to a reliance on external validation. Excessive consumption impairs language, creativity and decision-making, as well as hinders peer relationships,” he explains. “Social-emotional factors are also affected, which manifest themselves through constant comparison, the search for aesthetic standards and superficial relationships”, he adds.
The phenomenon puts families in the country to the test
Brazil is one of the countries with the most time spent in front of the screen: on average, Brazilians spend nine hours a day on the Internet, according to a report reported by Secretariat for Digital Policies (Secom).
As of 2022, 92% of the population aged 9 to 17 used the Internet in the country, and mobile phones are the most used device among children and adolescents, according to data from the TIC Kids Online survey, conducted by the Internet Steering Committee in Brazil, also shared by Secom.
The pedagogical director of Super Cérebro points out that several factors contribute to the excessive use of screens: “The routine full of tasks, excessive work and little time for peer interaction facilitate access to social networks.” In fact, TIC Kids Online indicates that 86% of users aged 9 to 17 and 96% of users aged 15 to 17 have at least one profile on social networks.
“Applications and platforms are becoming increasingly attractive, with visual and auditory stimuli captivating our children and teenagers, as well as promoting rapid pursuit of the reward system,” adds the director.
Aguilar also points out that screens bring a momentary feeling of well-being, releasing substances in the brain, such as dopamine, which is linked to pleasure. “Lack of access to these screens triggers the need for a new dose, creating a vicious cycle that becomes increasingly necessary.”
Strategies can help
Aguilar says some habits can be adopted by families and children to avoid excessive use of screens, such as providing fun family activities, such as cooking together, telling stories and playing board games.
“It’s worth investing in experiences like organizing toys, doing artistic activities like painting, organizing an exhibition of family drawings, or even doing riddles with mimes about songs and films,” she explains.
He also points out that there’s no point in wanting to push children away from screens if their parents aren’t also disconnecting. “Setting limits on screen use and gradually reducing them is an effective strategy, using applications that help monitor and limit screen time. Digital education is a great alternative to address this challenge,” he says.
The methodology aims to develop cognitive and socio-emotional skills
Aguilar says that, in a scenario of excessive use of screens, the Super Cérebro methodology takes an approach focused on the development of cognitive and socio-emotional skills. To this end, the program uses activities and tools that stimulate executive functions, such as planning, organization, memory, cognitive flexibility and teamwork.
“These skills are always contextualized with Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences. Using Soroban and board games, we promote the improvement of aspects that offer benefits in exactly the areas that society values most,” he explains.
For more information simply access: https://supercerebro.com.br/
Source: Terra
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