Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- A report released Tuesday by
Common Sense Media says about 40 percent of two to four year olds and 50 percent of five to eight year olds have used smartphones, video iPods, iPads or similar devices. Experts at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital say the trend needs to be taken seriously.
Doctor Tom Welch, with Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital, said, "There's no question that neurologically the experience of reading something online is very different from reading it as a book."
It's called screen time and whether kids are reading an iPad or watching TV, they seem to be getting more of it.
Mom Hailey Spencer admits even her three-month-old watches TV, but the American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't recommend TV for kids two and under.
"The simple act of sitting and watching something from which they are not developmentally ready could harm the acquisition of other important skills -- communication skills, reading skills," explained Doctor Welch.
Doctor Welch says TV shouldn't even be on in the background for kids.
Dad Michael Rittenhouse doesn't use an iPad. He says his daughter loves books, so that's what they do.
"I just prefer she build with blocks and do whatever she wants to do," said Rittenhouse.
For kids two and older, it's all about limiting screen time -- that means computers, televisions and smartphones. As for the TV, doctors say no one should be spending more than two hours in front of it. And kids definitely shouldn't have them in their rooms because that can affect their sleeping habits.
Doctors say over using screen technology also makes it harder for kids to concentrate. It's even been linked to an increase in ADHD.
