A pediatrician is sharing their concerns about the negative effects that virtual learning is having on children, particularly due to increased screen time and a lack of activity. When schools went virtual, everyone knew that there were going to be challenges. This was likely not going to be the best way for a lot of students to learn, but in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19, it was essential. While a lot of the effects of the pandemic have been seen in children, one pediatrician is sharing his concerns using examples from his own patients.

According to Wane, Dr. Tony GiaQuinta is a pediatrician from Parkview Physicians Group Pediatric, and he is raising his concerns when it comes to the increase of screen time and the decrease of physical activity.

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He stated that children are missing that social interaction with their peers, and instead, they are sitting and looking at a screen all day. This is concerning to medical professionals and this is one of their biggest worries when it comes to virtual learning.

It seems to be an impossible situation for mom, who wants her child to be safe from COVID-19, but by doing so, they may be exposing them to other health risks. He stated that by children spending so much time in front of a screen, they are missing out on other brain exercises, and their brains are simply not moving left to right.

Lack of physical activity is another concern, with children not having the same opportunities to get up and move that they would have in school. Dr. GiaQuinta was able to pull from his own experience when it comes to lack of physical activity, and he stated that he has been in shock to see just how much weight he has watched his patients gain over just the last 6 months. It isn’t even the gym classes that are being missed that he is concerned about. He stated that the simple act of going to and from school is enough to burn a lot of calories.

The effects of virtual learning and the pandemic are having a ripple effect that is now being noticed by medical professionals. For example, an increase in screen time can result in a lack of sleep for children, which can increase their risk of other health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, according to Healthline. While it seems that there is no “right choice” in this current situation, it is good to be aware of the possible risks and complications that may be a result.

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Sources: Healthline, Wane