Two babies are playing with iPads, but doctors warn that letting children eat and play with electronic devices at the same time will affect their health in the long run - Photo: QUANG DINH
However, according to Dr. Ngo Tai Dung - pediatrician of DNG Clinic, this is an extremely harmful habit.
"I have encountered many cases of children with chronic digestive disorders, overweight or obesity, or even delayed language development - all of which are related to the habit of eating while glued to the screen," Dr. Dung shared.
Here are some common side effects:
1. Digestive effects
When children eat while watching their phones, the brain's focus on digestion is divided between other activities such as receiving images, sounds and content on the screen.
This reduces the efficiency of the digestive system, causing bloating, indigestion, and in the long term can even lead to stomach and intestinal disorders.
"When children do not pay attention to food, the feeling of fullness will be delayed or ignored, leading to overeating or undereating, causing nutritional imbalance," said Dr. Dung.
2. Causes overweight and obesity
Risk of weight gain and obesity: Not focusing on meals makes children more likely to overeat, not realizing when they are full. The long-term consequences are the risk of excess weight gain and obesity, which in turn negatively affects cardiovascular health and other health problems.
3. Vision loss, affecting psychological development and independence skills
Prolonged exposure to phone screens, especially while eating - a time when the eyes need to relax - can cause children to have dry eyes, eye strain, and an increased risk of myopia.
In addition, children eating while watching their phones also affects their psychological development and independence skills: The habit of eating without concentration also hinders the process of learning to eat by themselves, self-control as well as forming the habit of patience and awareness of meals. This can affect the child's ability to develop independence later on.
4. Reduces the ability to communicate and connect with family
According to Dr. Dung, mealtime is a golden time for parents and children to talk and connect emotionally. Letting children "stick their faces" to their phones reduces their social interaction skills, preventing them from learning how to listen, share and express their emotions naturally.
"If parents do not sit with their children, do not talk to them, but instead use their phones, then the phones are raising your children for you," he said.
Should change soon
Dr. Dung recommends that parents should:
• Absolutely do not give phones or iPads to children during meals.
• Create conscious eating habits: Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and enjoy the taste of the food.
• Spend time eating with your child, talking about their school day, hobbies or telling funny stories.
• If your child shows signs of dependence on electronic devices, consult a doctor for early intervention advice.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dien-thoai-tren-ban-an-co-phai-thu-pham-am-tham-voi-suc-khoe-tre-nho-20250426080037123.htm
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