Choosing a Healthy Childhood Development in the Digital Era

Abstract

Digital technology use is predominant amongst children and as the use increases, it significantly impacts childhood development [1]. Technology is entrenched in our work, play and learning, thus making it difficult in avoiding the use of gadgets such as tablets and phones. After all, we are in the Fourth Industrial Revolution era and the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated technology adoption and acceptance. Communication has been digitized and it seems this is the only way to make our social circles bigger. The schooling system is now transitioning to Technology Enhanced Learning. Even more so, the virtualization of the workplace has normalized spending a significant amount of time online. Nonetheless, in pre-pandemic times, this growing use was still inevitable. The use of digital gadgets has also crept into the home system with children as young as a few months old being exposed beyond the recommended screen time. Henceforth, our article will address the overarching goal of the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on physical activity, screen time exposure and sleep for children; coupled with active internet use and offline digital use [2].