Mitigating Negative Effects of Digital Media on Children Through Innovative Toy Design

Abstract

In todays world, with the rapid development of the information era, the contents on the Internet are daily renewal and childrens access to which and use of mobile phones or computers has become the norm. However, the question of whether this is having a negative impact on childrens development has been an issue of great concern. This paper reviews some of the characteristics of contemporary Internet information that are detrimental to childrens intellectual development and cognitive formation, as well as the possible pitfalls in childrens use of electronic devices and exposure to the Internet environment, and concludes that the content online shall do harm to childrens intelligence development if they single-minded and overly rely on this, and excessive screen time may lead to behavioural problems and even physical and psychological issues. Therefore, it is suggested that children need to be exposed to digital media with the guidance and intentional protection of parents and educators during their growth, and should not use electronic devices for too long. Based on the findings of this study, the authors have designed a book toy that aims to provide a solution to help children better navigate their cognitive and intellectual development in a de-digitalised way in their growth.