With the increasing use of mobile technology there has been increased concern over the possible harmful effects of screen lighting on children’s health. This has focused on the potential adverse impact on the sleep cycle, with nocturnal disturbance from the bright lights.
More recently there have been concerns regarding brain development, particularly in children under 2 years of age, who are exposed to mobile technology lighting.
The following story highlights another issue with allowing children easy access to this technology.
A mother came to see me recently with her 6 year old son, who was a particularly good sportsperson. He had scored a superb try at rugby and she showed me the video on her phone, of him sprinting from half way, beating several players and scoring under the posts. She was understandably very proud. She then gave her phone to her son and told him to sit quietly while she talked to me.
A few minutes later he came up to me and said “excuse me Doctor”
“Yes, what is it?” I replied.
He shoved the phone at me and with a smirk on his face, he said “do you want to see a photo of my mum in her undies?”
His mother retrieved the phone from him hastily and told him to sit down and be quiet until she was finished.