Hi-tech generation of kids have too much screen time and `can’t hold a pencil’
THE one-fingered technology generation are at risk of stunted fine motor skills, warn child development experts.
With rising numbers of children unable to tie laces, do up buttons or hold a pencil for an extended period, parents are urged to clamp down on screen time and let fingers get some exercise.
“I have seen a marked increase in the number of children requiring occupational therapy and fine motor skills support due a lack of strength and muscle co-ordination in their hands and lower arms as a direct overuse of technology,” Sonja Walker, a teacher and a national advocate for children’s health through Kids First Children’s Services, said.
Ms Walker is an ambassador for the Pilot Pen Creative Writing Scholarship, a national program that encourages children to step away from the keyboard and write a creative story by hand.
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Australia’s Physical Activity Recommendations suggest that children aged 5 to 18 spend no more than two hours in front of a screen per day and under twos should avoid television or other electronic media.
Expert in child health and motor skills Jenny Ziviani from the University of Queensland said: “Children are being introduced to keyboards and touch screens early and these are undoubtedly going to be meaningful life skills but they should not overshadow all the other skills necessary for a functional and creative life.”
The professor urges parents to encourage their children to use cutlery, scissors, pencils, crayons and paint brushes.
“Manual skills needed for doing up buttons, shoe laces, helping parents with pegs when hanging up clothes all contribute to broad skill development,” she said.
Assistant Director-General of Education Queensland Marg Pethiyagoda said fine motor skills played an important part in a child’s development.
The Queensland curriculum states that Prep teachers support children to “use and extend fine-motor skills when integrating movements and manipulating equipment, tools and objects”.