“Cautionary Tale: Computer Tablet Transforms Child into a Monster – A Warning for Parents”

Parents often rely on screen time to keep their children occupied for a few minutes, allowing them to enjoy a cup of coffee or use the bathroom without interruptions. However, one nanny has shared her disappointment and concern after witnessing a four-year-old girl she cares for undergo a drastic change due to excessive tablet use, and she is urging parents to avoid it at all costs.

In a post on Reddit, the nanny revealed that she looks after the little girl part-time and also teaches pre-kindergarten. She expressed, “Toddler ‘tude is nothing new to me, but wow. Before the iPad, this kid had a decent attention span and enjoyed various activities like crafts, walks, building forts, and playing board games.”

However, since the introduction of the tablet, the child’s behavior has taken a negative turn. The nanny explained, “Now all she wants to do when I’m here is play on the iPad. Every time I try to redirect her to another activity, she becomes irritated and wants to go back to the iPad. It’s made a huge difference in the worst way. She’s irritable, demanding, and not at all the kid she was before this stupid thing came into our lives.”

Drawing from her own experience, the teacher emphasized that it is evident in a classroom setting which children have unlimited screen time and which ones have restricted or no screen time. She sadly stated, “I’m just sad to see her go from an imaginative kind kid to a sticky iPad monster. Still love her and all, but sad to see.”

The nanny has discussed her concerns with the parents, but as she only looks after the child for a few hours a week, she feels limited in expressing her true thoughts. She concluded, “It’s sad to see another kid’s brain being fried by Roblox and Youtube.”

Dr. Samina Yousuf, a pediatrician for OSF HealthCare, highlighted the negative effects of excessive screen time on children’s physical and mental health. She explained that it can lead to issues such as obesity, depression, behavioral problems, anxiety, and inadequate sleep. Dr. Yousuf also emphasized the importance of patience and real-world interactions, which excessive screen time often hinders.

Dr. Yousuf recommends the following guidelines for children:

• Under two years old: Zero screen time, except for video chatting with family or friends
• Two – five years old: One hour per day co-viewing with a parent or sibling
• Five – 17 years old: Generally no more than two hours per day, except for homework

It’s crucial for parents to be mindful of their children’s screen time and its potential impact. Have you noticed any changes in your child due to excessive screen time? Share your story by emailing eve.wagstaff@reachplc.com.

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