So just how much exposure to technology is too much?

A study conducted by the Heart of England Foundation NHS Trust found overuse of touchscreen phones and tablets is preventing children’s finger muscles from developing so they can properly hold a pencil.

Sally Payne, the head pediatric occupational therapist at the Heart of England Foundation NHS Trust explains, “Children are not coming into school with the hand strength and dexterity they had ten years ago. It’s easier to give a child an iPad than encouraging them to do muscle-building play such as building blocks, cutting and sticking, or pulling toys and ropes. Because of this, they’re not developing the underlying foundation skills they need to grip and hold a pencil.”