Emily Isom, a certified medical assistant in pediatrics at OSF HealthCare, said on June 1 that children are being introduced to technology early, with the COVID-19 pandemic contributing to increased device use for schoolwork and beyond. “Kids are being introduced to technology early,” Isom said. “COVID was one of the reasons. Kids did schoolwork on their devices. That turns into using technology throughout the day. They get attached and addicted to scrolling and swiping. It’s glued to their hands.”
Isom outlined concerns about excessive screen time, saying it can weaken memory and concentration in children, potentially leading to poor grades or even a diagnosis of a learning disorder over time. She also pointed out mental health risks: “Anxiety is also a big concern. I see this in older kids,” Isom said. “Bullying online causes a lot of anxiety. There’s social pressure… They focus on this instead of schoolwork.” Exposure to traumatic news stories and adult content online can further contribute to confusion, stress, and other mental health issues.
To counter these effects, Isom recommended encouraging regular reading for fun as an alternative activity that sharpens the mind and supports academic success: “If kids read on a regular basis, it’s going to sharpen their mind… It’s going to help with memory,” she said. Reading can also foster curiosity about the world and provide an escape from everyday stressors.
Isom offered several tips for parents and teachers aiming to rekindle children’s interest in reading: let children choose books from fun options; make books accessible throughout the home; model reading behavior; read together regularly; and consider reward systems such as stickers for completed books leading up to small prizes or treats.
Addressing whether digital readers are acceptable substitutes for traditional paper books, Isom said e-readers are fine since they do not involve constant scrolling like social media platforms.
OSF HealthCare provides pediatric care through local clinics as well as OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria. The organization offers resources related to children’s screen time management and mental health support regardless of patient status at OSF facilities, according to the official website. OSF HealthCare is an integrated nonprofit system managing hospitals, clinics, and urgent-care centers across Illinois and Michigan, offering emergency care, cancer treatment, heart services, neurological support, primary medicine, and mental health care including digital options through OSF OnCall.
