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The Citizen has interviewed early childhood educators who work in kindergarten, elementary teachers and educational assistants who say they have been bitten, punched, kicked, scratched, spat upon and sworn at by children in kindergarten to Grade 3.

Why do children appear to have more trouble regulating their emotions?

The increasing use of digital devices is probably a key factor, said Clinton.

“I’ve had lots of conversations with people across the country, and one thing that people are thinking is that the kids aren’t having as much time to be outside, and having free play, because they are spending much more time on screens.

“When you are playing outside with others, you have to develop patience, you have to learn how to take turns, and learn how to pretend, and all of those are things that help you develop the ability to stop, plan and think.”

Children spend more time alone on digital devices, and it starts early, said Clinton. You can buy potty seats and bouncy chairs with built-in pockets for an iPad, she noted.

Digital devices provide instant gratification and are “very, very enticing,” she said.

“I’ve seen kids have absolute meltdowns at 18 months to two years of age. You are out to dinner and the parents have brought along an iPad for the kid to play with so they don’t have any second of boredom. They take the iPad away when the food comes, and (the child) has a massive meltdown.

“It’s something we need to as a society really examine: are screens replacing face-to-face time?”