Who would have thought 20 years ago that technology would change the way people connect with one another. Technology embodied in the form of Ipads, computers, cellphones and video games along with the internet has revolutionized communication from a global and international perspective to every day interactions within the family.

Let’s quickly review the basic of early childhood development.

Human connection and movement are both paramount factors in the overall healthy development of a child. While movement will allow a child to develop motor skills, human connection will enable the developing brain of a child to learn appropriate social interactions such as play, turn taking, sharing, and problem solving. As children move and interact with one another, their social and emotional growth is stimulated to successfully function in peer to peer relations and academic settings. Stimulation has been impacted by technology.

The rapidly developing 21st century technology as ongoing source of entertainment being embraced by families is a momentary relief for the busy parents that in turn poses potentially significant negative side effects in the developing brain of a child. Unlimited daily use of technology in its many forms impedes the child's ability to challenge the body and mind. Overuse also hinders a child from developing age appropriate imagination therefore disabling the inquisitive mind to explore the environment and learn from it.

As there is limited to no human interactions while the child is engaged with an electronic device, learning fundamental social skills to function and be successful in the classroom environment is disabled to the point of no repair at times. Overload of a developing nervous system of a child can result in delayed developmental milestones and subsequent behavioural issues at school that may be reflected in inability to attend and focus. Other equally important issues arise from being inactive, such as child obesity, which leads to a whole range of chronic illness.

While technology improves aspects of everyday life and provides a means to communication to those who otherwise would not be able to express themselves, unlimited access to many technological platforms could be devastating to the young brain and body. Understanding the side effects of technology misuse and its devastating effects in children will allow parents to have clear and enforceable tech use expectations at home.

The challenge is how to change habits. Here are some tips that will assist you as a parent to still allow your kids access to technology but in a healthy way:

Set limits: indicate how long your child is to have access to technology (videogames-tablets-computers-TV-cellphones) on a daily basis.

To avoid problem behaviours that arise from terminating a most preferred item (technology), have your child do the activity that is less reinforcing e.g. homework, tidying up toys, taking a bath etc. first.

If your child is accustomed to having access to technology for long periods of times on a daily basis, reduction of time should be done gradually otherwise behavioural issues may arise. For example, if access is currently 3 hours, reduce 10 minutes. Do this for a few days and then reduce 5 minutes. Continue subsequent reduction after what you established is well tolerated.

It is equally important that your child keeps occupied with other activities as you are reducing the time spent on technology. With the help of your kid(s), make a list of different kinds of indoor and outdoor activities posted where it is visible.

Encourage and praise engagement in social activities such as sports and board games and house chores that are age appropriate (assisting with house chores will allow your child to learn daily living skills and increase independence).

And last but not least, lead by example. Leave your phone aside. Participate in activities as a family and engage your kids in them.