San José, Costa Rica. February, 2016.

Although technology is an excellent resource, its excessive use could have repercussions for our health. Many times, it leads to sedentarism and, in children, it could affect school performance if they spend long hours with their electronic devices, especially at night.

According to MSc Melissa Céspedes Arias, clinical psychologist at the Clínica Bíblica Hospital, “in addition to the damages on the school level, there can also be damage on the affective level. The constant observation of violence makes children consider these violent behaviors as normal. Also, it could cause isolation and difficulties in their social interaction.”

It is very important to establish rules about the use of electronic devices and the time they spend on them. Furthermore, studies indicate that they should not be used before the child is two years-old. Regulations should be established according to age, level of maturity and academic responsibilities.

If as a parent you observe that your child devotes more time to the cell phone than to his/her friends, isolates him/herself and looks tired or irritable when not using the device, seek professional help, because your child could have become an addict to technological devices.

“If your child is not able to detach him/herself from the device for longer periods, if he/she prefers to be alone with his cell phone rather than spending time with friends, if you see him/her walking with the device, if you see him/her with the phone during meals or at social meetings, and if he/she responds aggressively when called upon in this regard, all these are warning signs,” said Céspedes.

Parents are the example

More than with words, it is through the parents´ example that children learn healthy practices.

However, we can inquire about their interests and enroll them in activities such as football, dancing, swimming or take them to the park, according to their tastes. It is good that they join other social and recreational activities and that they have clear limits from parents since their early years.

In addition, parents should not use the tablet as a “baby-sitter” for the children to “keep quiet”.

“Make your children see all that they are missing because of being on the cell phone and take them outside. Also, give them the example: if you are going to have lunch, everyone should leave their cell phones aside, or if you are all going out, that you use it only a short time during the day,” conclude the psychologist.

In order to obtain further information or request an appointment in any of the medical specialties with the best doctors of Costa Rica, please contact the private hospital Clínica Bíblica at telephone number 2522-1000, at email citas@clinicabiblica.com or vía chat on the website www.clinicabiblica.com