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Unrestricted Screen Time Can Harmfully Effect Brain Development, says Staten Island Pediatrician

Monday, 31 March 2014 03:41 AM

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In response to an article published by Nwaonline.com, Dr. Michael Gabriel of Gabriel Pediatrics, a Staten Island pediatric care center, says that it's important to control and monitor children's exposure to electronic devices

BROOKLYN, NY / myprgenie.com / ACCESSWIRE / March 31, 2014 / Dr. Michael Gabriel of Gabriel Pediatrics, a Staten Island pediatric care center, responds to an article published on March 24 by Nwaonline.com, that discusses the potentially harmful effects extended amounts of screen time can have on pediatric brain development.

According to an article published on March 24th by NWA Online titled "Technology Could Impede Childhood Brain Development," unrestricted screen time can have potentially negative effects on the brain development of infants and young children. The more time children spend in front of electronic media devices (tablets, gaming consoles, computers, cell phones), the higher their risks of being "overweight, sleep deprived, as well as developing emotional and social problems." Attention spans can be reduced and motivation to do academic work can also decrease.

The article states that children and teenagers are spending approximately 10 hours a day in front of electronic devices, a number that's five times more than the recommended amount. Almost three-fourths of children and teenagers have TVs in their rooms, 84 percent have Internet access, 75 percent of 12-17 year olds have cellphones and 60 percent of them send and receive text messages right before bedtime.

Dr. Michael Gabriel of Gabriel Pediatrics, a Brooklyn pediatric care center, says that today's youth is overwhelmed by media and electronics. "Today's advanced technologies have made children and teenagers almost dependent on screen time in order to be satisfied. While usage of media has some positive sides, the abuse of it is jeopardizing our children's futures," says Gabriel.

Gabriel adds, "Parents need to control the usage of media devices, at day and at night. It's better to have kids concentrated on physical activities or intellectual development exercises. Today's world may heavily run on technology, but it stills relies on intellectual knowledge and healthy people to keep it going."

Gabriel Pediatrics provides comprehensive pediatric care to children throughout the New York area with practices both in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Our board certified pediatricians and experienced staff help provide a very warm and nurturing environment for both you and your children. Our approach combines the latest treatment methods with the personal attention you should expect from your doctor. Simply put, we understand the importance of communication and trust and we are earning that trust one family at a time. 

Contact: Scott Darrohn, [email protected], 855-347-4228  

 

SOURCE: Gabriel Pediatrics

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