Mobile addiction among children is a growing problem in today's world. With the widespread availability of smartphones, tablets, and other devices, children are increasingly exposed to the enticing world of social media, games, and apps. This has led to an increase in the amount of time they spend on their devices, often neglecting other important activities such as schoolwork, exercise, and socialisation.
Smartphone addiction can have a range of detrimental consequences for youngsters. It has the potential to alter their sleep patterns, resulting in weariness and trouble concentrating during the day. It can expose them to inappropriate content, including explicit images and videos. It can also lead to social isolation, as children prioritise their devices over spending time with others. In addition, it can result in increased anxiety and depression, as well as academic difficulties.
According to studies, teenagers spend nine to 10 hours each day in front of screens, while children aged eight to 12 spend six to seven hours doing the same. Here are some of the negative consequences of children experiencing excessive smartphone usage:
Reduces Physical Activity
WHO (World Health Organization) recommended in 2019 that children aged two to five restrict their screen use to one hour per day, which is preferable. This is not because screens are hazardous to youngsters. But, a child's obsession with the screen deprives their time to stay physically active and sleep.
Sight Issues
Cell phone use has been linked to eyesight impairments in teenagers. This is referred to as vision syndrome. Redness, a burning feeling, stress, impaired vision, and dry eyes are among the various symptoms to show up.
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Tips To Parents
Set A Limitation
Create a strict limit on when your child is allowed to use a mobile device. Set specific times and duration for their phone use, and consistently enforce these rules.
Explain Why It’s Important To Limit Their Phone Usage
Explain to your child the potential hazards of prolonged and excessive use of mobile devices, such as addiction, poor academic performance, and lack of physical activity.
Find An Alternative Activity
Offer your child an alternative activity to replace the time they would have spent on their phone. If they like playing sports, suggest they take up a hobby like swimming or tennis. If they like video games, suggest a board game.
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Encourage Outdoor Activities
Get your child involved in outdoor and physical activities to help keep them away from their phones. Going for walks, playing in the park, and riding bikes are great ways to distract your child from their phone.
Don’t Snatch Away Phones Forcefully
When they have to stop a game in the middle of a level, children become very frustrated. Before they have to quit, you should give them a warning. Thus they have enough time to finish the game, and after a few minutes, they are mentally prepared to stop using the phone. This can also help them set boundaries and prioritise things.
Smartphone addiction can have a range of detrimental consequences for youngsters. It has the potential to alter their sleep patterns, resulting in weariness and trouble concentrating during the day.
It is important for parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with mobile addiction and to take steps to limit their children's device usage. Setting boundaries is key. Limit the hours they can spend on their phones and ensure they are constructively using their devices. Parents should also provide their children with alternative activities, such as outdoor activities and physical exercise. Finally, they should try to be role models by limiting their own device usage and engaging in activities that involve spending quality time together.
