(1) Rapid brain growth:Between 0 and 2 years, infant's brains triple in size, and continue in a state of rapid development to 21 years of age (Christakis 2011). Early brain development is determined by environmental stimuli,or lack thereof. Stimulation to a developing brain caused by overexposure to technologies (cell phones, internet, iPads, TV), has been shown to be associatedwith executive functioning and attention deficit, cognitive delays, impaired learning, increased impulsivity and decreased ability to self-regulate, e.g. tantrums (Small 2008, Pagini 2010).
(2). Delayed Development :Technology use restricts movement, which can result in delayed development. One in three children now enter school developmentally delayed, negatively impacting literacy and academic achievement (HELP EDI Maps 2013). Movement enhances attention and learning ability(Ratey 2008). Use of technology under the age of 12 years is detrimental to child development and learning (Rowan 2010).
(3.) Epidemic Obesity :TV and video game use correlates with increased obesity (Tremblay 2005). Children who are allowed a device in their bedrooms have 30%increased incidence of obesity (Feng 2011). About 30% of children with obesity will most likely develop diabetes, and obese individuals are at higher risk for early stroke and heart attack, gravely shortening life expectancy (Center for Disease Control and Prevention 2010). Largely due to obesity, 21st century children may be the first generation many of whom will not outlive their parents(Professor Andrew Prentice, BBC News 2002).
(4.) Sleep Deprivation: 60%of parents do not supervise their child's technology usage, and 75% of children are allowed technology in their bedrooms (Kaiser Foundation 2010). 75% of children aged 9 and 10 years are sleep deprived to the extent that their grades are detrimentally impacted (Boston College 2012).
(5.) Mental Illness:Technology overuse is implicated as a causal factor in rising rates of child depression, anxiety, attachment disorder, attention deficit, autism, bipolar disorder, psychosis and problematic child behavior ( Bristol University 2010, Mentzoni 2011, Shin 2011, Liberatore 2011, Robinson 2008).
(6.) Aggression:Violent media content can cause child aggression(Anderson, 2007). Young children are increasingly exposed to rising incidence of physical and sexual violence in today's media. "Grand Theft Auto V" portrays explicit sex, murder, rape, torture and mutilation, as do many movies and TV shows. The U.S. has categorized media violence as a Public Health Risk due to causal impact on child aggression (Huesmann 2007). Media reports increased use of restraints and seclusion rooms with children who exhibit uncontrolled aggression.
(7.) Digital dementia: High speed media content can contribute to attention deficit, as well as decreased concentration and memory, due to the brain pruning neuronal tracksto the frontal cortex (Christakis 2004, Small 2008). Children who can't pay attention can't learn.
(8.) Addictions: As parents attach more and more to technology, they are detaching from their children. In the absence of parental attachment, detached children can attach to devices, which can result in addiction (Rowan 2010). One in 11children aged 8-18 years are addicted to technology (Gentile 2009).
(9.) Radiation emission:In May of 2011, the World Health Organization classified cell phones (and other wireless devices) as a category 2B risk(possible carcinogen) due to radiation emission (WHO 2011). James McNamee with Health Canada in October of 2011 issued a cautionary warning stating "Children are more sensitive to a variety of agents than adults as their brains and immune systems are still developing, so you can't say the risk would be equal for a small adult as for a child." (Globe and Mail2011). In December, 2013 Dr. Anthony Miller from the University of Toronto's School of Public Health recommend that based on new research, radio frequency exposure should be reclassified as a 2A (probable carcinogen), not a 2B (possible carcinogen). American Academy of Pediatrics requested review of EMF radiation emissions from technology devices, citing three reasons regarding impact on children (AAP 2013).
(10.) Unsustainable:The ways in which children are raised and educated with technology are no longer sustainable (Rowan 2010). Children are our future, but there is no future for children who overuse technology.