Scientists: smartphones kill concentration

Nobody would be surprised by the statement that the use of mobile phones change the human behavior. A group of American scientists shed new light on the extent to which our "smartphones" change our behavior. The main conclusions of the study, led by a famous psychologist, are that smartphones cause some symptoms of ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in completely healthy people. Among reported symptoms are inattention, poor concentration, feeling of boredom when trying to focus on a specific task, fidget and fuss and inability to retain at one place.

"Smartphones likely contribute to these symptoms because they serve as a quick and easy source of distraction," explains the psychologist. This does not mean that phones cause ADHD or that if we reduce their use this can cure the disorder, adds the scientist. The encouraging conclusion from the study is that the negative effects of the continuous use of smartphones can be seriously reduced in a very simple way - by mute. Another option is the "smartphone" to be placed further away where it can not be easily reached. This seriously reduces the effect of the continuous flow of information from the phone.

If you are having troubles with you kid using too much a smartphone, you can try this educational mobile app.

Scientists say - the smartphones and the tablets are extremely dangerous for your health

Two hundred scientists got the attention of the people all over the word, saying that the governments should protect the public from electromagnetic fields. The risk group includes all users of smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices. According to the experts, the use of irradiation devices leads to damage to the living cells of the body and can lead to major health problems and even death. It is concluded that the telecommunication equipment and power lines can cause damage to DNA in the cells.

A representative of the Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) said that the radiation undoubtedly increases the number of cancer cases. Moreover, it can cause neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Experts in the field of cell technology argue that the negative effects of radiation on cells has long been known fact, but many experts don't pay attention to this danger. Scientists compare the resulting effects with the environmental pollution. In this case, the public prefers not to see the consequences until it's too late.

The Australian scientist John Tickel shared the concerns of his colleagues, claiming that radiation from mobile phones and repeaters increase the likelihood of getting a brain cancer. Experts advise the people to switch off their device if they don't use it at the moment.

Of course, not all scientists and researchers share this view. For example, earlier scientists from Manchester University said that the electromagnetic radiation from the mobile phones is absolutely harmless. Moreover, even earlier, the British agency for health protection of the population also have concluded that smartphones and Wi-Fi are safe.

Overall, so far there is no unified position on this problem, scientists have yet to understand this so important question.

Attention! Now your smartphone can be hacked through YouTube videos

Every owner of a smartphone should know that its device can be hacked via voice commands from a video on YouTube. This was discovered by scientists at UC Berkeley and Georgetown University, writes a famous media portal.

The attack takes place through hidden voice commands.

You should be careful!

These commands are inaudible to the human ear, but perceived by the mobile device. All it takes is the user to watch a video in YouTube and his mobile device can be hacked easily. It turns out that it doesn't matter what device reproduces the malicious video - a smartphone, a computer, a tablet or a TV.

All commands are perceived by voice assistants like Google Now, Siri and Cortana, installed on your mobile gadget. Such an option allows attackers to install malicious programs with the help of which can make changes to the configuration of the device or to steal personal data.

Users can protect themselves from the threat by prohibiting the production and implementation of voice commands. General solution is to develop better instruments to recognize malicious sounds, the researchers concluded.

When is it okay to buy your child a smartphone?

It is still too soon to tell how the most modern electronic devices affect children's development in the long term but there are already some studies conducted and the experts have come to some conclusions that will help parents in deciding on when is the right age for the children to use smartphones or tablets.

The majority of today's children receive early access to mobile devices and the parents often ask not whether but when to buy their children a smartphone or a tablet.

Here are some tips targeted to moms and dads:

How much time is safe for children to stand in front of the screen:
- If two to five years: 1 hour;
- If six to nine years: 2 hours;
- If the child is 10 years old and up: 3 hours.

American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend the children under two years old to stand in front of screens, because the brain develops better at communicating with people and unstructured games (initiated and managed by the child activity without rules, organization and goals) and human communication.

But how do parents decide when it is appropriate to give a smartphone to their children?

Every child is unique, so in order to determine whether there is a need for such a device, it is best to answer the following questions:

- Have you placed restrictions on the use of digital devices - and does your child recognize and respect these restrictions?
- Does your child need a phone in order to contact you in case of emergency?
- Can you trust your children that they will not use the phone in inappropriate situations, such as in classes?
- Have you installed parental control applications on the smartphone of your children?

After all, if you feel that your children are ready to own a smartphone, do not stop to talk with them on the subject and observe their online behavior to make sure that there is nothing wrong.

Instruct them what to share, with whom it is safe to communicate on the Internet and what portions of the network you agree them to visit.

Note that according to the statistics, the children begin to get online as early as 3 years old. Between 6 and 9 years of age they can have their own tablet, but they should use it under your supervision.