What are the Effects of Tablets and Smartphones on Babies’ Brains? | Babies: Their Wonderful World

Often we concentrate on showing the negative effective of new technologies on the development of babies, but could tablets, smartphones and other touchscreen devices help improve their motor skills?
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[@sylvia8112]

Ok my life experience - after 2 week's of holiday I decided to hide tablet from my 5 year old, as his behaviour got worst every time when he had it in hand . I said it's broken and it was sent for repair. He was upset at first but than he started to play with his imagination more. His concertation spam has increased so much it's unbelievable, his tantrum has decreased, his vocabulary is more advance, finally he likes exploring drawing items and reading books more than ever. It's been 5 months and he didn't even asked once since. Most of children's videos are simply stupid with opening presents, throwing toys etc. I can only say do it before it's too late, but you have to be ready to play with your child more. There is not even ONE day I regret my decision.

[@Paola-jf2qf]

Good for you. As a preschool teacher, I strongly believe babies and toddlers should not have tablets until the child is two or older. They need to explore their world, talk, crawl, run, sing, dance,

[@Ratona60]

My friends let their kids ages 2 have a phone pf their own to watch youtube video and play games. They throw ugly tantrums when it gets taken away. I have a 2 month old baby, I've forbidden my family members from letting my child have access to their phones. I want my child free of technology until age 5. He needs to explore the world first.

[@mariodecristofaro9492]

@@Ratona60 I also have a 2 months yo baby... i am 24 yo and had my first phone at age 10... i will try to do the same with my little girl

[@yulsbrumbeck4081]

LOVE your comment, I wish everyone did this!!!

[@yulsbrumbeck4081]

I do need to add, i have a 6 month old baby girl that has never been allowed to hold my phone on any other phone, but she is obsessed with it and tries to reach it constantly i try using it as little as i can, and when she is not around, but i do get calls, and since i don't let her have it she screams and cries i try do distract her, i try to console her, it breaks my heart to see her like that, but i want her to play, to explore, to use her imagination like I did, it so hard but I think its right i keep thinking eventually she will lose interest and let it go, but man she is determined, like a dog with a bone... If you got any tips to make it easier I will appreciate it 😘

[@HellDuke-]

Well, that was fun. Didn't answer any questions and didn't show any correlations, but at least we got to watch some babies playing.

[@King_K_Rool_]

HellDuke Classic BBC report, whole lot of nothing

[@BboyCustomz]

@@King_K_Rool_ Wut mate... That's a fine how do you do...

[@BboyCustomz]

The video was a quick example with "a small sample size that backs up Tim's previous research" for tv and for this short format. You can see the peer reviewed article that presumably led to the video here: www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01108/full

[@FabioMarziali]

Ahahah

[@MyGreenNest]

Lol

[@marigoldrussell6804]

I haven’t read all comments but as a teacher for toddlers I have seen the long term results. At first tablet users are very smart and seem in advanced but after the 3year point disadvantages began to show. Potty training is difficult and social skills seem troubled. Non tablet users are behind but they advance consistently whereas tablet users seem to fall back after a while. If you are questioning my experience I’ll let you know that I have watched many toddlers grow within over 11 years.

[@elleham4723]

Marigold Russell That’s so interesting. Thank you for sharing. I’m raising my kids tech free, so that is so reassuring when I see all these kids around my kids that seem so advanced!

[@TheBestNameEverMade]

Why not do your own research and put it out? I don't think antidodtal evidence is a good substitute for controlled tests like in the video and his research.

[@LawTzuTao]

Being a teacher and a scientist are two VERY different things. Casually watching children without any controlled environment is NOT science. Therefore it's merely opinion based on casual observation.

[@marigoldrussell6804]

L S, i agree there is a difference in those two careers. Also understand that toddlers are not rats, they learn on a daily life not in a science lab that could effect results. This would be considered “field work”. I’m not saying that tech users won’t be functional adults just stating the struggle may be there at the beginning. Also this is not taking in consideration children that have learning disabilities and may actually benefit from technology when they begin academic grade schools which is the time when technology should be introduced.

[@LawTzuTao]

@@marigoldrussell6804 We are both in agreement here. Absolutely!

[@infrieser]

Children who have more experience with fine movements due to exposure to tablets have better fine motor skills? No shit Sherlock... What about negative effects on things like concentration, or sensitivity to addiction at a later age due to prolonged exposure to lots of small dopamine boosts from a very young age? Seems more relevant imo...

[@SIETETIZ]

Thank you, exacly what im thinking.

[@Masood1810]

Effect on eyes/vision too was not thought about...

[@laela6289]

Friso interesting 🤔

[@kaistockman6443]

it’s also the person. I was born before tech and I had really good fine motor skills stringing beads etc. at age 1. Drinking from a regular adult cup at around 6-8 months.

[@forgedude]

You said it pal

[@McQuokka]

3 kids won't give you any kind of meaningful data. You would need to work with a much larger number to get any kind of data that would be trustworthy.

[@TMWriting]

I had the same thought, but they do address it at the end of the clip and say even though the sample size is small it does track with his previous research.

[@Korflog666]

We probably won't fully know the effects of heavy usage till 20 years later

[@zachcrawford5]

This video is just an example the kind of research that Dr.Smith is doing.

[@daniraspahic2625]

Completely agree.

[@jagga309]

I took tablet away from my 4 year old daughter after seeing she was watching some seriously messed up stuff on KZbin (frozen elsa and Spiderman)she was also picking up bad habits like throwing things to get her way, not being able to concentrate, shouting. Its been 2 months and the difference is amazing. She is more calm, manages to make good conversation, has more patience, increased concentration. Thinking back i should never have got her a tablet.

[@nnaenae]

This segment was rather ridiculous considering the premise was talking about the negative effects of tablet use. Who cares if your child has advanced motor skills when he or she is addicted to your phone, can’t concentrate or hasn’t learned to properly socialize. Rubbish coverage, BBC 😒

[@gonwan1]

If it's dexitery you're testing then this is obvious. Try testing concentration. I had to go cold turkey and remove the phone my 23month old son used 3 months ago because the mobile was ruining his concentration span. Now he can play with particular toys for longer, willing to read a book for longer and more importantly doesn't get into a strop so easily and quickly.

[@fidlaf1]

I am an elementary teacher I have 7 year old twin boys and a 5 year old girl. I started from birth. There is a theory about the right side brain education. Well my boys are in 4th grade and my 5 year old girl is reading at a second grade level. They are so advanced in math, social studies, biology, chemistry, physics, they speak 3 language, lots of encyclopedia knowledge. Everywhere we go people think they are geniuses. I am a firm believer that geniuses are made not born. My family is a very large family. I am 1 among of 8 siblings . So I have 21 nieces and nephews. To make the story short we all did the same program with our kids. The results were all the same. Over achievers individuals. This is beyond amazing. The brain is a terrible thing to waist kzbin.info/aero/PL20F20F5F655C7E73 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKvJkmt9btB5qJY

[@fidlaf1]

gonwan1 + Susan Pulgar a brilliant mind. My kids are developing the same kind of mind like Susan. This is an amazing program kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKjdpGZprNulb6c

[@alliefu7499]

Fid LaF what you are doing is advancing your children’s progress over their peers, not making little geniuses..

[@fidlaf1]

Allie Fu + kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZbKn5l3dtCllZo

[@sjcooks3664]

I noticed the same with my 19 month old

[@domc3040]

While this is interesting, I'm far more interested in whether there is an effect on the more mental side of cognitive development than co-ordination. Given that's they're such full on sensory environments that provide such instant feedback, I think the impact on things like concentration are likely to be far more substantial.

[@OriLOK2]

I think there's an advantage compared to my generation that grew up sat in front of a telly. Required no input, very passive entertainment, and no sense of self-limitation. Would be interesting to watch this batch of kids grow up for sure.

[@zlac]

If they play coloring games where software helps them "not get outside of the line", they can even get angry if the function is disabled.

[@MrOhitsujiza]

Ye same here, i was convinced they would have some sort of concentration test. Personaly i predicted all of the outomes but then again i have seen it first hand with relatives children some of whom are not allowed to play games and other can, i started noticing it with 5ish year olds and later i payed special attention to the youngest 3 (about 1 year old) they pick it up fast.

[@sarahwithstars]

Exactly plus the flashing and instant rewards is like training a dog, and kids won't be able to complete more than one sum on a piece of paper if it hasn't exploded in a firework to tell them to move on. Click! Flash! Positive reinforcement. One. At. A. Time. ADD.

[@sarahwithstars]

@@OriLOK2 absolutely agree with this. A limited tablet device is certainly a better technological babysitter than the television.

[@weihongli9615]

I do not like the idea to raise a baby with a tablet,

[@BBC420]

Weihong Li I agree. A tablet is a little big. An iPhone X would probably be better for their young wrists.

[@epicurusone6897]

Weihong Li Inagree but then again giving a child a tablet to a kid isn't raising kids.

[@tiffanyweber3028]

Same here!

[@garystinten9339]

Weihong Li chris is taking the piss

[@nabukuma]

But what about emotional and mental tests, such as empathy and intelligence?

[@laurencebois5119]

It appears the BBC is siding with tech here. They might have done those tests and "dismissed" them. My nephew is six and he was raised by tablets and phones, his motor skills are great but he has very poor social skills and a limited vocabulary. Basically I've never heard him say "mum" or "dad" to his parents, his only common words are; Netflix, KZbin, 20th Century Fox and the pre-tantrum "phone dead".

[@SIETETIZ]

@@laurencebois5119 😂😂😂😂😂

[@annawilliams7568]

Moo Moo intelligence is such a broad term and consists of at least 8 sub groups. The tech babies were intellectually smarter in the fine motor skills portion of the experiment. So technique they did test intelligence, just not all types.

[@andarted]

They surely won't practice their empathy skills from some simple tablet games. That's still the responsibility of the parents. Imho such tablet games are just a tool to help parents to educate their kids more effizient. Just like a playground is a tool for parents to support the development of some important skills to their children. The responsibility still lies by the parents. They have to choose what kind of skills they want to support.

[@LawTzuTao]

@@andarted Exactly!

[@LordAnb]

While I don’t think tablets are villians and that sort of thing (we had bad parenting long before them), this feels kinda biased. Isn’t it kinda given that children that spend more time using their hands for small movements will have better fine coordination? Maybe have some more tests, analyzing different aspects of the baby’s development would be more interesting.

[@chillpill2016]

You have the right idea. Tablets are good depending on how u use them.

[@Ehhhaway]

There is an EXTREME flaw in this study. The tech users are older than the non tech users.

[@genaa7490]

I thought so too!! The samples are not the same.

[@mirrormirror444]

Liz Preston exactly! Why are they not the same ages especially when every week in early development milestones form! Research has become so flawed. Just another study to push the agenda to say devices are good for kids, but they don’t mention they cause tumors and cancers in rats.

[@cloverclo6329]

I watched my niece grow up up until she was about 3(she’s 4 now but no longer lives with us). From baby to 3 and even still she is watching KZbin. She had unlimited access whether it was on the tv or tablet and based on observation I really believe it’s affected her cognitive development negatively. The results?: Her attention span is very short Her speech is delayed She shows more interest in tv/iPad then imagination or human interaction She struggles to draw objects on her own or from imagination(think of a tree or house or people for example) She struggles to follow complex instructions She will often tune people out when focused on the tv/iPad. Keep in mind she also has minimal interaction, playing, teaching from family members as well (I think they believe she will learn everything she needs from KZbin, and early education(which didn’t start till 3). They had a girl come over to teach her basic things(honestly things a parent should be teaching their kid) like mr.potatohead, how to use shape toys, poking,pulling and other sensory related activities and games. Those were only once a week tho) Family still spoon-feeds her to this day and she doesn’t know how to sit still and eat at the table. The only time she eats at the table is with the iPad propped up in front of her and even then her attention span is so short. When the iPad or phone is taken away she would throw a huge tantrum to which the parents would give up and give it back. I see aLot of parents struggle with this and fail to see it’s their actions that have created the child they are today. You know what, no ones perfect, we make mistakes, but the important thing is to acknowledge if it’s becoming a problem and STEP UP as a parent. It’s never too late. Start setting rules, boundaries, and designated tv/iPad time. The child should not be able to decide how much tv they get to watch and whenever and if they throw a tantrum that’s okay. Understand and recognize why your kid is throwing a tantrum and you’ll be able to pull through. It’s gonna be hard in the beginning but by limiting screen time and creating a sort of routine/schedule your kid will benefit so much more. HOWEVER parents need to STEP UP and spend quality time with their kids as well. Adults are just as addicted to technology but with kids we can’t be selfish like that anymore. The toddler years are so critical to building a loving trusting bond. When you get home from work greet and hug your children. Don’t glue yourself to your phone right after. Your kid has been looking forward to seeing you all day. Engage with them, ask them to help you set the table or cook and make it fun, same with cleaning up after dinner. When your done play a game or do some educational fun games with them. Put them to bed early and read them a book before bed! The earlier they go to sleep(8pm is usually a good time) the more time you have to relax, go on your phone, watch a movie, get extra work done. I’m so tired of hearing parents complain they’re tired when they get home or on the weekends. Look at your child. Do right by them. They need you. My niece doesn’t get the love and attention she needs and watches too much KZbin as a result and it’s sad because she’s such a bright girl with a very kind soul. Kids benefit way more from real interaction with people not technology

[@0taxz550]

Thank you for writing this

[@BLandBeanz]

Thank you for commenting this. I've seen these results with my little cousins. It really is on the parents, because it's their kid and they should be taking care of them. It's really sad, and it's the reality for most kids that I've seen now, but I have faith that new/gen z families might make a change in the future after seeing the effects.

[@keithkogane2619]

this doesn't change my mind, when I have babies, I'll do it the old way, technology scares me in a way

[@knk9118]

Did they really give the babies a drunk walking test? Lol

[@LudmilaT.]

This is effect on their fine motor skills, not their brains as the title states. How does screen affect their logical thinking, their focus, their memory, their will to do something else than playing with a screen, their language and their social skills?

[@missmurda90]

Their brains are being fried by microwave radiation. No joke.

[@chillpill2016]

@@missmurda90 idiot.

[@DeborahFishburn]

I wonder how many of these tests would have been far more influenced by 'the parent and child have tried activities similar to this before, so the child understands the requirement' than by 'the child has been allowed to use a tablet'. It was pretty clear that a number of those kids (who looked older) had spent more time drawing with crayons, or playing with blocks.

[@technor007]

Both my little kids have started with tablets from very young age, however we have been very careful to this day to moderate the usage carefully. Further, we have used it for some baby games, and these days (both are below 7 yrs), use it for driving games or puzzle games for a limited time, usually a few hours max per week (Not at the same time though). And I must admit both of us are happy with the outcomes. I believe the key is moderation and responsible usage. Overdoing it may cause harm, but I guess that part is very hard to study over a longer term.

[@sbomorse]

First it was the TV "babysitting" your kids and now it's your phones and tablets.

[@ilozeet]

That's not accurate, generation Y millennial's, and the lasting generations of baby boomers 70s and 80s Were told that about TV. claims that it would make your eyes square. actually with TV there isn't an interactive component engaging with the user ( unless you include the red button). TV watching research shows that there is an underactive area of the brain when watching TV versus reading, socialising or anything else. Computers are inherent in stimulating the same sort of interactive stimulus that toddlers have benefited from across previous generations for hundreds of years. its just now that neural growth is more innate and more insular or internal, doesn't necessarily require a social interactions to occur.

[@OriginalRipndip]

@@ilozeet didn't understand that

[@Jibbie49]

@@OriginalRipndip I think she said that with TV watching it is all "one-sided" and the child does nothing, but with the computer, the child has to "do" in order for it to respond.

[@umairaftab9281]

Tech users easily copy & paste as they are addicted to such things but next time you should some experiment regarding creativity.

[@LawTzuTao]

Where's your data to support that claim. And no, tech users are NOT easily copy and paste. Creativity is part of the larger experiments. Dig deeper for knowledge my friend. The answers are usually much easier to find when you are aware of your ability to search for them.

[@sukanya9399]

Word!

[@smileandlaughs]

It feels like this video was so sponsored by the tech company. Of course the kids who are on their tablets will have better fine motor skills they're essentially using their fingers all the time. What's more important is how the child is developed psychologically. Social skills are imperative to child growth. It affects their self-esteem, their mood, and most importantly their health.

[@shannonmuela2834]

More concerning is the relationship of excessive screen exposure and expressive language delays...

[@MarysPanheadPub]

Ask why the parents of silicone valley don't let their children use computers and tablets.

[@lilkingreer]

Why dont they?

[@benianthony6396]

@@lilkingreer watch the social dilemma on netflix

[@thereseward7852]

My granddaughter learned her colors and shapes by 18 months. She is extremely active and prefers outdoor activities over indoor activities. While indoors she has access to a toddler computer, learning toys, pencils, scissors, and paper, blocks and play kitchen. I believe what the child has access to and their interactions with people around them effect skills.

[@goncalosanhudodeportocarre9591]

This is not a serious experiment, the samples are ridiculously small, motivation (which is supposed to be as close to null as possible and in this case surely wasn't) has a lot of influence on the results especially with toddlers, and since it wasn't conducted rigorously the number of times the toddler had performed the tasks before was probably very different along with the instructions given and the way they were given.

[@madMARTYNmarsh1981]

So what's more important: The negative effect on sleep and attention or the positive effect on motor skills... something that develops large toy well without tablets and smart phones... I don't think it's even close as a contest, the damage massively out weighs the potential positive.

[@PoopaJEM]

I'd say that this is just because the "tech" kids have been practicing fine motor skills. Compare them to kids that spend a fair amount of time practicing fine motor skills in traditional ways (coloring, drawing, playing with block and stacking toys, etc) and I would guess you would not see a difference.

[@martinwest2538]

Not to mention the impact of the parents disappeared in their screens, not giving their attention to the children.

[@nathandelmen2552]

I thinks its not the mental aspect is what really negatively affected but rather the emotion of the child. In the long run they become addicted with th gadget and their ability to socialize is also affected because they spend more time with the gadget and not other human being. My advice to other parents like me control the use of it, and dont let them keep their gadget, you put them in the box when they are done using in max of 2 hours a day.

[@NavedRasul]

My 3 considerations: 1. The kids' time with the tablets and the phones should be fairly limited. 2. Furthermore, the content should be appropriate and should facilitate all the positive developments. 3. Lastly but not least, the screen brightness should match the lighting in the surrounding environment.

[@anthonycameron7812]

Quite right tablet.s are good for the kids but has too be limited time about a 1 hour 1/2 is plenty

[@iceinducer9528]

@@anthonycameron7812 No.. tablets are always bad At babies ages from 0-3 years old baby. They can cause a myopia

[@69sakibkhan]

@@anthonycameron7812 lol, u can't do that with babies, once they are introduced with this fascinating tech, they will cry for more.

[@threebigfsfakenewsfakefood575]

And all that wifi and blue light is soooooo good for them.

[@nousdocky]

Very inadequate research to publish or make a video about...

[@wmarclocher]

Fascinating study! Like the marshmallow test, I will be excited to see the pattern of accomplishments (and failures) these two groups will have in 25 years.

[@wowitzkate]

This title needs to be changed. Obviously their motor control will improve but I thought this would test cognitive development which is different from physical development As an AMI Montessori guide, I’ve seen that tablet users are way behind in cognitive and social-emotional development. We don’t use any technology in our Montessori environments but I have parents who tell me how much screen time they give their children and it’s obvious how it changes their ability to cope in a REAL and physically and mentally stimulating environment that’s conducive for concentration.

[@d.k.2272]

In my experience the least amount of tantrums and negative behavior comes from treating the tablet just like any other physical game. There is a time and place and it shouldn’t go unchecked for hours on end. Let them reap the “fine motor skills” and then change it up and get physical. They also learn from us...if all we do is stare at a device...they want to do that too. Get up and play with your kids. Create some fun memories. Teach them to observe their surroundings by playing games like “I spy.” Tech is important because in school and work they will have to use it...but they should be able to live without them attached to their hands 24/7.

[@rand0m0mg]

Put the non-tech group first in an unknown task - let the tech group watch and learn from the non-tech while the task is being executed; and then let the tech group execute the task; result? The tech group does better.. congratulations you failed basic methodology

[@jonathanlin1000]

The shoddiness of this purportedly scientific piece is causing me to reevaluate my entire view of the BBC.

[@WMDistraction]

Jonathan Lin The framing of the video is terrible as well. It talks about negative effects as a given but questions whether there are *any* positive effects. As with anything, it’s a bit of both. Technology is completely agnostic to what you want it to be. My EdD advisors are leading experts on educational technology and are always emphasizing the fact that technology is never inherently good nor bad. It’s like asking if a hammer is inherently good or bad. It can be very useful/“good” when used constructively, but it can be very destructive/“bad” when used maliciously or irresponsibly.

[@sierrasix4068]

My son started using his tablet at age 2 years 4 months. 4 months later he has mastered the tablet and his vocabulary has exploded. It's quite incredible.

[@heretic5116]

How u gettin on now?

[@shru1014]

Which tech company paid for this study, to select those 3 kids. Anyway how will 6 kids give any meaningful data?

[@njspanteach]

Now let's study patience

[@OhhowHelovesus777]

All I know is that I used to be a huge reader as a kid, and I would watch the tv sometimes and play disc computer games back in the 90s-2000s. Ever since smart phones and modern computers came into my life I can definitely see that my concentration and attention levels have diminished to some degree. So if this change happened because I started using these things in my preteens/teens, what will they do to people who have them from babyhood?

[@BriefNerdOriginal]

These qualitative assessments are not significant for any of the tests performed. Families can also provide tech users with activities other than touchscreens, and non-tech users can sit in front of the TV many hours, and we'll never know here. So many variables, so poorly explained.

[@Julie-jl2kk]

babies were looking at a screen... and we are looking at a screen

[@Br0k3nH3adBanz]

I truly think that balance is key, if the child is able to become emotionally attached to his/her device, they may not want to pay attention to other things and may show anger when the device is removed/dies/breaks etc and the device becomes a disadvantage. If the child views the device more as a learning/exploring tool or reward, these things tend not to be prevalent and knowing how to use said device can be an advantage.

[@backpackingcarlie1487]

sponsored by Apple? Sure this is great for motor skills, but there are other things that could help with that. And tablets are potentially doing irreparable damage to their minds- attention, behavior, emotions...

[@sylviatt82]

Does anyone even care about the danger of childhood myopia? Someone I know started wearing glasses at age 4 as a result of excessive use of devices.

[@LawTzuTao]

Technology already fixed this problem. Your concern is nearly 5 years late. The problem today is awareness and the ability to do such a simple thing. USE GOOGLE (responsibly of course).

[@mikearanda3533]

I know there's already research where if a surgeon plays some button smashing videogames, this improves their hand coordination for a surgery.

[@kidsfornow_UK]

I think this piece is asking the wrong question. I don't think motor skill development is really a concern people have around babies and toddlers use of digital technology. There are other concerns around, for example, their social and emotional development and attention. There are recent studies showing that certain cognitive functions are improved by video games. But this is not surprising at all. What we need to ask is whether these particular cognitive skills are very beneficial to them and what other damage might we be doing to them in other areas?

[@thepinksantahat4739]

Love how such important studies only have 200,000 views

[@mamallamaandthelittles]

:34 Early research suggests it has a negative effect on sleep & attention,but hey they have great fine motor skills! Who needs sleep and good attention!

[@patandbrandi]

Kids tend to bounce around from app to app and videos. So I would think #1 not ex engaging with world in front of them. Like at the store or conversation at diner #2 eye development and carpal tunnel. #3 not staying focused on 1 thing. They are a tool in the toolbox for long road trips or especially air travel. It's also the future now.

[@nataleeisjustchilling2737]

My dads thinks we’re all gonna get carpel tunnel from texting lol, also I wish my family would engage at the dinner table like we used to but instead my little brother’s too busy on his phone (mine you he’s 6) and my dads too busy on his computer or phone so I just go on my tablet, heck even my mom and brother don’t even sit at the dinner table they just sit on the barstools at the counter to eat

[@aztlanplay]

That's one of the worst things a parent can do their child is put a tablet in their hands! Damage their eye sight, expose them to electro-magnetic frequencies, artificial play, and the list goes on....

[@chillpill2016]

But those don’t happen. Dismantle an iPad. IT HAS NO EFFECTS ON YOUR EYES. all it can do is make you a bit drowsy. This is fake news boomer.

[@forbsinator5782]

Ok so my thoughts on this, it’s ok to give your kids tech, just regulate constantly on what they are doing and god forbid keep them far away from KZbin

[@saml642]

I've yet to see any tech professional or child sociologist/psychologist RECOMMEND letting kids use tablets. That tells me all I need to know.

[@alisubhan3420]

Whatever you say but kid should be parented properly rather than left to use KZbin for kids

[@Af0]

soo besides walking the line - the other 2 tests were more or less App games the techies have probably already played. *facepalm*

[@ghadzworld3365]

in my experience for my 2 years old... ing 1 yr she was exposed in books and flash cards.. i can say her behavior is really good... then later when she was exposed in cellphones and tv.. her behavior seems like you are not there anymore she wont listen to me anymore.. but her improvement in the she talks and reacts to any thing that she can see is better... but she will play with another children she even dont want to talk and very shy.. i think the most important is to balance everything... let the child play at their most and use what ever things that can improve their mental development.. and most of all be with them always build your relationship as parents..

[@lisavokorina6989]

these children are super cute

[@skymycat]

Sample size of three per group? Educational background, socioeconomic background, gender, ethnicity? Anything else being controlled?

[@ajeetalbert91]

Sleeping pattern! Early age refractory errors! Basal metabolic rate changes! Social bonding! Curiosity to explore environment! How come BBC doesn't want to consider any of these and rather make a study based on the just the motor part of developmental milestones? Using tabs or phones primes the fine motor movements and it's not surprising for tech kids to have a small advantage. But I believe a study must be made with the primary interest to identify the side effects in tab using babies instead of just having a few selective variables to show a positive outcome...

[@piotrwadoowski1280]

Would love to see some more in-depth research on this topic

[@Flyzguy]

Well, I understand the need to have footage of adorable babies with a cute soundtrack, but the sample size of 6 is astonishingly insignificant. At least a short summary of actual scientific work would have been very helpful. I'm concerned about how this reflects the BBC's expectations of viewer scientific literacy.

[@wearanter1]

My wife stays at home and plays like crazy with them, when I get home I give them an hour or so of the kid tablet and than we get back to playing with puzzles, sensory things n such..its all in moderation y'all

[@JordanTelezino]

really interested on this topic and the effects technology have on young children. I think that having these things from early on makes them smart in some areas however also decreases their concentration on things which are'nt electronic

[@kimberleynatasha]

I would have been interested to see dimensions such as - social skills, attention span, things like sharing, doing puzzles etc, is it making them smarter? etc

[@missmurda90]

I think the question of whether this tech improves or impedes the development of a child's motor skills is irrelevant. Regardless, their brains are literally being fried by microwave radiation.

[@lariemanuel816]

My son has never been attracted to electronics he sees his cousins doing it but would rather interact with people and toys around him. We've never tried to shove a device in his face and take the time to interact with him on a daily basis

[@germanyming-liangliao7991]

Die Abhängigkeit von Computern und Handys steigt bei Kindern jährlich. Es is für Kinder auch sehr schwierig, die Abhängigkeit zu überwinden. Bevor Kinder mit einem Computer oder Handy anfängt, sollten die Eltern an ersten Stelle auf die Risik achten. Die Zukunft hängt davon ab, was wir heute tun.

[@ChuckRage]

Some of these kids draw better straight lines than I can.

[@NA0533]

It's pretty obvious that if your kid watches KZbin all day, he will not gain anything from device, but if he uses educational software then he will. It's the same for adults using PCs for games or productivity. The question is, can you limit your child to only drawing and educational apps and make sure they don't watch TV on it or play games? < I think in today's age it will be pretty hard to set limits, might be easier not getting the device at all

[@joseph9702]

I would have loved to see these kids do the self control test later on in this episode.

[@Quantum-Bullet]

Next test when they are 6-7, climbing trees!

[@christopherdawkins5392]

Preparing the next crop of smart phone assemblers.

[@Bobbo825]

They didnt really test for concentration. Fail. Fine motor skills will come regardless--thats not the issue. Its lack of concentration that can be learned or not learned and can stick with them if not taken care of. This video was like seeing how well a sick patient absorbs vitamins without even testing how they could reduce or prevent the sickness

[@biscuitsalive]

Same shit, different generation. They said this crap about TV. They said this shit about electric lights. They said this shit about the printed word. They probably sounded some vague warnings about stone tools. Just encourage children to a large range of physical and cerebral activities, human and technological interactions. A mixture is the best IMO.

[@TheCameltotem]

Yeah but all those things are different. A baby uses a ipad like 8 hours a day, that shit is wack.

[@MariaSilva-xl2kq]

TV - parents would not allow kids to be too close to a television. Ipad/Smartphones - kids are always too close to a TV. Playing offline is important to develop a sense of direction, balance and space. It is also needed in order to have healthy bones, lungs and muscles. Plus, it's really very healthy to your eyes to focus on things that are a bit far from you. Facing something too close (also, Ipads and smartphones are lamps) can cause dangerous problems to your vision. So, it's really not the same.

[@nachanandness1226]

tech users are actually very smart..as i observed on some kids..how ever parents needs guidance and limit for this can affect thier visions

[@NavedRasul]

man! so much cuteness in a single video... Adorable Research! :D

[@moonshine_09]

Comment section is far better than the video itself. Thank you all for sharing your experiances.

[@realkk]

Every baby have different neurological development due to genetic differences. This experiment is badly done.

[@gtechpoint4556]

Base on our studies in educational management, the effect of the usage of tablets among toddlers is poor speech development. I am not saying not to let them use tablets but do not overuse tablets.

[@missxalim6822]

The hosts make up is perfect👌🏽

[@MrAlipatik]

i have a child, tablets and cellphone it causes autism. I turn off the wifi and hid the gadgets and now my child is out of his shell. He can inter-act and express his feelings now. Before he was just making sounds at 3-4. Yes my child can do that stacking and drawing lines at two but won't progress much on gadgets..

[@AndersonChan]

I’m 12 and when I didn’t get a tablet till 2012 when the iPad 2 came out. When I finally got my hands on one I enjoyed toys more. Now at 12 it is much different story

[@millertrevor7639]

whenever i see little children (on the bus, at the doctors') all they want is their mom's phone. they sometimes even get agressive and start yelling if they can't watch vivid colors quickly changing for 15 minutes. this needs to be regulated by the WHO so that kids cartoons can't have oversaturated colors and every scene needs to be long (at least 10 seconds)

[@jasongraves4359]

Inconclusive I think... could just be some kids are just naturally better at certain things regardless of technology Influence

[@DC9848]

How about concentration skill or able to read paragraph of text by the age 8,fairly sure heavy tech users will struggle with this

[@jakepearson7403]

I wish the BBC had used their energy to put together meaningful studies or at least a meta analysis

[@sendiulo]

it's all about the balance. and the content. out of 100 children's apps, probably only a single one is good. but choose the right ones and your child might learn counting and letters/reading even long before school and with no effort or resistance. because it's integrated into play.

[@kennethtaylorriches7127]

Right

[@mikaylawoolley140]

Horrible research design as far as this “documentary” reflects

[@thereseward7852]

This is interesting. My concern is for safety using computers and phones

[@DSLRvideonow]

Study Confirmed: The person who developed this study experienced too much screen time during their childhood.

[@randomeryetfun5841]

I was amused and happy back then when I was that age without tablets

[@kennethtaylorriches7127]

And your not now?

[@bestboy138]

My almost 2 year old grandson has his own iPad and he uses my iPhone all the time but he also handles weapons and sports equipment and we play outside all the time.

[@Idkmanihatethis]

I showed my 10 months old brother a video of a baby dancing and he started to dance too xD

[@jayp9994]

Brought to you by the tech giants of Silicon Valley

[@ingoclever4052]

I think it might be interesting to look into overall stamina. Maybe even infects in the first Years. Since Tech users are more often in a seated position. Right?

[@Ceahorse]

It might have been just the section of the clips. but it seemed that the non-tech were asked to draw vertical lines where the techs were asked to draw horizontal lines. I would think that horizontal like would be easier.

[@LawTzuTao]

I find it fascinating to read comments asking for information for social and emotional effects of technology. Do you just hand your child a device and let them have at it? Or are you a PRESENT parent that actually spends quality time with your children while they use tech? There's a big difference. Being a present parent is the most crucial aspect of parenting. Especially for social and emotional intelligence. Our decreasing social and emotional IQ didn't begin with computers. No, it began long before that. For example, the invention of the automobile vs the passenger train. What's even more fascinating is the people that assume these children in this video are the ONLY ones participating in the study. When you could easily click the link in the description to learn more about the studies performed in this documentary. You might even find related studies that provide even more data. That actually just proves a point I try to make to everyone that demonizes technology. Most of you lack the skills to properly use it. When you fail to take the initiative to dig deeper for information, tech is the least of your problems. You have some "self-work" that you need to be doing. My daughter is already learning to read at 26 months, she's high social and emotional IQ, and capable of solving complex problems. This isn't because of tech or education. This is because her mother and I chose to be present with her as often as we can. Guys. It's not the tech. It's YOU!

[@kennethtaylorriches7127]

Right I'm not Saying you shouldn't limit the technology and time on it but my Daughter knows her ABC's colors and can count to 30 on her own shall be 2 years old in 2 months she gets about 2 maybe 3 hrs a day it's her school fun tablet and works great!

[@AndySaenz]

In my opinion, too much exposure to technology reduces your critical thinking skills. For instance, you might rely on Google too much if you're using it to search everything for you.