Are electronic screens bad for infants?

I think this is a question many parents will be concerned about. I’ve just read this article which suggest that active screen time may be beneficial to a baby’s learning. [Here is the article: http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2013/10/29/228125739/what-to-know-about-babies-and-screen-time-kids-screens-electronics] There is a difference between active and passive screen time. The latter is where the baby is simply left to watch a television program or film. The former would involve some kind of interaction between the baby and a person on screen (such as a skype conversation with other family members). My personal take would be that moderation is the key. I don’t think there will be any major detrimental effect on a child if he/she is given some screen time, as long as it is not the only activity the child is engaged in the entire day. Some (perhaps 15-20mins) of screen time (be it passive or active) may allow the caregiver to do other things (like cooking, going for a toilet break for example). Of course, having active and supervised screen time together with a child may be even better. I have friends who used ipads/tablets to help distract their children while driving. In all, I do think that perhaps it is more important to teach a child how to adhere to the limits set by parents on how much time they could be on the gadgets. This may help set the stage for future gadget use. Do take a look at that article to understand the potential effects of screen time on a child. :)

If you are wondering if looking at the screen will cause damage to your child’s eyes, this article suggests that the blue light emitted from devices may be harmful to children. Adults are less susceptive as the lens in adults’ eyes gets yellow with time and could block out some of the blue light. In young children, however, their eyes are still developing and blue light is able to penetrate much more efficiently and directly into the retina and may cause damage to the back of the eye. If you allow your child to handle electronic devices, remember to factor in break times and remind your child to use the device at appropriate distance (i.e. not holding it too close to their faces), also remind your child to blink (to minimize dry eyes). Experts recommend taking a break every 20mins and looking to objects in a distance to help reduce strain on the eyes. For more information: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/arts/your-childs-phone-and-tablet-could-be-harming-their-eyes-expert-warns/news-story/c91174a8dcd55d0e70f0836144a403c5

Some parents worry that exposing their kids to any TV or screen time could be damaging. A little bit of media isn't gonna hurt. We simply encourage parents to limit time with screen media for kids under 2 or to use media as a means of furthering and cementing your relationship with them. The most important thing is that time spent with screens don't replace time spent with their loving caregiver. Try the ideas below in small amounts -- say, 15 or 30 minutes. Explore new words, ideas, sounds, and pictures online. Show kids a photo of themselves and name parts of their face. Scroll through all your pictures, name the people, and talk about them.

Apparently, under 2 - NONE at all. Above 2 - recommended less than 2 hours at a stretch but commonly recognized as unrealistic in today's world. one suggestion is to get protective eye glasses for the kids - but i wonder if there is a simpler solution to just stick some protective film on the ipad http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a25006035/is-screen-time-good-or-bad-for-babies-and-children

Oh yes. Not just infants but even adults, and to great extent. How much would it effect totally depends on what electronic screens you've around the kid. But possibly try keeping electronics at bay. Let the kis grow in a natural world for good health and social belonging