Screen Dependency in Toddlers: What Does Early Childhood Education Say?

The sight of toddlers holding smartphones or tablets has become increasingly common. Many parents hand over gadgets to keep children calm or occupied, especially while working. However, this practice can lead to screen dependency, which affects children’s social and emotional development.

According to PGPAUD experts, gadget use is not entirely harmful as long as it is time limited and supervised. Young children lack the ability to filter information, and uncontrolled digital exposure may hinder attention span, social skills, and language growth.

The solution lies not in a total ban, but in finding digital balance. Parents can replace screen time with physical play, sensory activities, or creative exploration such as drawing and storytelling. This ensures rich stimulation without sacrificing children’s curiosity and imagination.

Early childhood educators play a vital role as digital literacy facilitators for families. Through training and outreach, they can guide parents to recognize the risks of excessive gadget use and adopt healthy digital routines.

Ultimately, gadgets should serve as tools not as substitutes for human presence. PGPAUD emphasizes that genuine interaction remains the key to optimal development in the digital era.