There are always rumors circulating the internet when it comes to kids and cell phone use. From the Momo Challenge killing kids to people growing horns due to cell phone use, it seems there’s always something to worry about. But what are real and what are just cell phone myths?
Parentology caught up with a few experts to talk about current rumors and separating fact from fiction.
Cell Phones Cause Horn Growth
FICTION– Recent studies have shown an increase of instances of small bony growths at the base of the skull in young people. While it’s thought they’re from cell phone use — or more accurately, the habitual bending of the neck from frequent mobile device use — there’s no proof phones are to blame.
“While the significance of these growths isn’t known at this time, there are several well-researched health effects of excessive cell phone and media use on children and teens,” Dr. CharlRe’ Slaughter-Atiemo, a leading board-certified pediatrician in Maryland tells Parentology.
Smartphone Use Interferes with Sleep
FACT – Blue light, especially before bedtime, has been shown to interrupt melatonin, a hormone made by the body that helps us sleep.
“Light changes how your body should grow and develop,” Dr. Rob Darzynkiewicz, Chief Medical Officer of Hazel Health explains to Parentology. “Simply keeping phones out of bedrooms at night can help you and your child sleep better.”
Dr. Dyan Hes, Medical Director of Gramercy Pediatrics, tells Parentology that for every hour of blue light exposure before bed, there should be one hour of no exposure. “So if your child turns off his phone at 9 pm, it will probably take until 10 pm for the melatonin levels to start rising again.”
BIG QUESTION: Will you go blind from staring at those things like grandma says…?