Dr Mary Aiken, ‘Obesity, aggression, developmental delays: what tablets and mobiles are doing to our children’, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/family/obesity-aggression-developmental-delays-what-tablets-and-mobiles/, The Telegraph , Telegraph Media Group Limited (17 AUGUST 2016).
Busy and occupied
The fundamental problem is the modern perception that children need to be kept busy and occupied at all times. (…) It has been shown repeatedly that (…) unstructured play — when children entertain themselves, either alone or with another child and without adult or technological interference — is essential. This is when a child uses imagination and creativity, when he or she practises decision-making and problem-solving, develops early maths concepts, fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. (…) Engaging in these online social interactions prior to necessary cognitive and emotional development that occurs throughout middle childhood could lead to negative encounters or poor decision-making.