Psychologist: Children Under 3 Should Not Be Given Gadgets

Psychologist Janar Seitmagambet believes that children under 3 should not be given gadgets at all, and until the age of 11, only a button phone for communication is recommended. The specialist shared this in an interview. ## Key Details and Important Information According to the psychologist, before this age, the front part of the brain, psycho-emotional development, and willpower of the child are formed.

Thus, giving gadgets early interferes with the child's natural development. ## Signs of Addiction Phone addiction develops gradually, and it is easy to identify: if the child returns the phone without difficulty when asked, there is no addiction. However, if they cry and do not want to part with the device, it is considered a warning sign. ## Process and Consequences The psychologist states that in such cases, parents must intervene directly. ## Impact on Child Development The specialist listed the negative consequences of excessive gadget use.

A child who does not look up from their phone has a limited vocabulary, and they struggle with imagination and writing beautiful essays. ## Key Details and Important Information Because speech only develops through conversation and the development of vocabulary. ## Process and Consequences Another issue is attention.

The virtual world moves very fast: short videos and emotionally charged information exert a strong influence on the child's brain. ## Process and Consequences As a result, the child remains constantly anxious and later finds it difficult to concentrate, as their brain is not accustomed to paying attention to large amounts of information for extended periods. ## Ways to Overcome Addiction The psychologist does not consider it right to completely take away the phone.

His advice is to allow the child to use the gadget for 1-2 hours a day, dedicating the remaining time to favorite activities and communication with friends. By gradually reducing usage time, new habits can be formed, distancing the child from the phone. ## Process and Consequences The example set by parents is also important.

The psychologist notes that if the virtual world prevails over real life and family members do not pay attention, the child immerses themselves in that world. He himself gave up watching television at home 15 years ago and adopted a habit of reading books in the evenings, and his children continue this practice.

According to the specialist, the most important thing is to have warm conversations with the child and to try to understand what they want. An article discussing the implementation of phone restrictions in schools has been published separately.

At what age can children be given gadgets? According to the psychologist's recommendation, gadgets should not be given at all until the age of 3.

Until 11 years old, only a button phone for communication is advisable. How to identify phone addiction?

If the child returns the phone easily when asked, there is no addiction. If they cry and do not want to part with the device, this is a warning sign, and parents should intervene.

Is it correct to completely take away the phone? The psychologist advises allowing the gadget to be used for 1-2 hours a day, dedicating the remaining time to favorite activities and communication with friends.

Gradually reducing usage time and forming new habits is more effective.