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Can smartphones make our children sick?

As a new study (BLIKK Studie (only in german language)) suggests that an overuse of smart phones can lead to extremely unpleasant consequences for children. Among the possible consequences are obesity, speech problems, insomnia and hyperactivity. Experts recommend, to gift children with smartphones not before they are 12 years of age.

As a recent study by the Institute of Medicinal Economics and Medical Care Research, based in Cologne shows, the development of the child could be at risk if they get a smartphone too early in life. Some kids get smartphones as early as 2 or 5 years. There is a clear relationship between the smartphone and general psychological problems, difficulty in their language development, poor concentration, hyperactivity and the use of media via the screen.

Furthermore, the researchers found that infants often showed difficulties falling asleep as well as signs of eating disorders if their mothers took advantage of digital media during the care of the child.

The researchers of the Institute of Medicinal Economics and Medical Care Research surveyed 80 paediatricians in 15 German states and received a collection of data from about 5,600 children and adolescents. The publication of the result is planned for September 2017.

What are the health consequences of digitisation?

The Drug Commissioner of the German Federal Government, Marlene Mortler, provides a new study. She demonstrates, the “health consequences of children when left to their own devices in this digital cosmos”. She insists that those health consequences have to be taken more seriously in the future.

Uwe Büsching, a representative of the Federation of Child and Adolescent Physicians, warns, if the use of digital media starts too early, this might have a negative impact on the development of the brain. He too suggests that children should not use smartphones earlier than 12 years of age.