Do you have a toddler? If so, you’re probably familiar with YouTube. After all, kids are obsessed with watching other people play video games or dress up in funny costumes. But what you may not know is that the vast majority of videos on YouTube are not created by professionals; they’re made by everyday users like us!
In fact, some of these videos have millions of views. And while many of them have nothing to do with toddlers, some do—and they might be great for your little one’s mental health. For example: ASMR videos can help calm your child down after an episode of explosive temper tantrums (or during), and may even help improve their focus in school. But there are also some risks involved when it comes to exposing young kids (under 10) to these types of videos regularly—so we’ll break down both sides below so that you can decide if this is something worth trying out at home or not!
What actually is ASMR?
ASMR is a tingling sensation in the scalp and spine. It’s usually triggered by soft, gentle or repetitive sounds, like whispering or scratching. It can also be triggered by visual stimuli such as someone folding towels or brushing their hair.
ASMR has been shown to have health benefits for those who experience it; it’s been used as an alternative therapy for insomnia, anxiety, depression and more. Studies have also found that people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may benefit from ASMR videos because they help ease sensory sensitivity — a symptom common among those with ASD — while helping them relax and fall asleep faster than normal methods do alone.
Explanation of the Growing Popularity of ASMR Videos for Toddlers
ASMR stands for “autonomous sensory meridian response.” It’s a tingling feeling that some people get in their head, neck and spine when they hear certain sounds. For example, some people experience this sensation when they listen to whispering or soft tapping noises (like those made by someone using makeup brushes).
Some parents are using ASMR videos as a way to help their children fall asleep at night. Others use them as an alternative therapy for conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety disorders. These videos can also be used by adults who want to reduce stress levels after work or school hours — but many experts suggest not letting children watch them unsupervised because of their potential role in triggering negative emotions like fear or anger within young minds.
Relaxation
Relaxation is a huge component of ASMR videos. Relaxation can help with sleep, anxiety, stress and pain. It also helps with focus and attention span in children who are having trouble focusing on their work or learning new things like reading or math.
Improved Sleep
ASMR videos can help toddlers sleep better. A study published in the journal Sleep Medicine found that listening to ASMR videos improved sleep quality in participants with insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Another study found that children who watch ASMR videos fall asleep faster and sleep longer than children who don’t watch them. The researchers also noted that watching ASMR videos may help people with anxiety or stress feel more relaxed, which could lead to better restful slumber for kids struggling with those conditions as well as adults!
Sensory Stimulation
If you’ve ever watched an ASMR video, then you’ll know that they’re a great way to stimulate your toddler’s senses. The videos are made up of sounds, visuals and touch (if there is any). These sensory experiences can help them learn more about their environment and even develop their language skills.
ASMR videos will allow your child to explore the world around them in a safe way while helping them understand different emotions like happiness or sadness through sound effects.
Overstimulation
Overstimulation can be a serious problem for children with autism. This is due to the fact that their brains have trouble processing sensory input, and they tend to react strongly when they receive too much of it at once. In some cases, this can lead to anxiety and stress; in others, it can actually cause seizures or other physical symptoms.
The best way to avoid overstimulation is by being aware of what your toddler is watching and doing before you start filming an ASMR video for them–and even while you’re filming! If they seem fidgety or uncomfortable during the session (or afterwards), try taking breaks every few minutes so they have time alone with their thoughts again before returning with another round of stimuli through sound effects and visuals on screen. You’ll be able to tell if your child needs more downtime by paying attention closely throughout each session; if there are any signs that suggest he or she has been overwhelmed (such as sweating), stop immediately until those symptoms subside completely before continuing again later down the road when things have calmed down considerably
Negative Effects on Brain Development
The problem with ASMR videos is that they can be addictive. The videos give you a relaxing feeling, so you want to watch more and more of them in order to get that same sensation. You may even find yourself watching one video after another for hours on end–without realizing how much time has passed. This can lead to sleep issues, anxiety and depression as well as decline in mental health over time because you don’t take breaks from the Internet or technology at all times during the day (or night).
Exposure to Inappropriate Content
While it’s true that ASMR videos are not always appropriate for children, there are ways to avoid exposure to inappropriate content.
The first thing you can do is make sure you only subscribe to channels that have been verified by the YouTube team as being child-friendly. You can find these verified channels in your search results by looking for a check mark next to their names. Another option is simply searching for “ASMR” on YouTube or Google instead of just typing in whatever keywords come into mind (like “kids” or “sleep”). The reason why this helps is because the algorithm will automatically show videos with high levels of engagement on them first–and since those tend to be safe and useful rather than controversial ones, this will help keep things clean! If all else fails though, don’t worry: Reporting offensive material does work!
Strategies for Ensuring Safe Use of ASMR Videos for Toddlers
While ASMR videos can be an effective way to help your toddler relax, it’s important to keep in mind the potential risks associated with these videos. Here are some strategies for ensuring safe use of ASMR videos for toddlers:
- Look for videos with clear and simple language
- Look for videos that feature a soothing voice
- Look for videos that feature soft, repetitive sounds such as whispering or tapping on objects (e.g., pens)
- Explain to your toddler what ASMR is and how it helps them relax
Alternative Forms of Sensory Stimulation and Relaxation for Toddlers
For those who are looking for other ways to stimulate and relax their toddlers, here are some options:
- Other Sensory Stimulation Activities. If you have a toddler who enjoys sensory activities like playing in sand or water, painting with messy paint, and picking up objects with different textures (like leaves or rocks), then this is a great alternative way for them to receive sensory input that can be calming. While these activities may not provide the same level of relaxation as ASMR videos do, they still provide some similar benefits such as helping children focus their attention on something other than what is going on around them so that they don’t feel overwhelmed by their surroundings.
- Relaxation Activities That Can Have Additional Benefits For Children With ASD/ADHD/Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Some people find that doing yoga or meditating helps them relax more than watching ASMR videos ever did because they find those activities more engaging than just sitting there watching someone else do something interesting while they sit quietly in front of their computer screen! If your child enjoys these types of activities already then it might be worth trying out again now that he/she has become older so he/she doesn’t forget how fun they can be! You could also try playing music together instead which might help calm both yours AND your child’s nerves down after an intense day out shopping together at Christmas time 😉
Toddlers can enjoy watching these videos when they are older.
ASMR videos are not appropriate for young children. They can enjoy watching these videos when they are older, but it’s important to remember that ASMR is not a substitute for medical treatment. Toddlers should always talk to their doctor before trying any new treatments or remedies on their own.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has helped you better understand the pros and cons of ASMR videos for toddlers. We also want to emphasize that while there are some risks associated with watching these videos, they can be used in moderation as a way to relax and stimulate your child’s senses. As always, we recommend keeping an eye on what they’re watching so that they don’t come across any inappropriate content or get overstimulated by too much stimulation!