What happens to children with the overuse of smartphones?
Mobile phones have become an integral component of our day-to-day lives, but they can also be a source of addiction, especially for kids. Over 70% of parents worry about their kids’ addiction to mobile phones. Mobile addiction can lead to a range of problems, including reduced attention span, sleep deprivation, and decreased social interaction. As a parent, it is crucial to take action to control mobile addiction in your children.
Removing their cell phone can create conflict/agitation because they have become dependent on it. If children are preoccupied with the overuse of a Mobile phone, it can interfere with their mood and behavioral responses.
As the saying “Too much is too bad” goes, the same is applied to the use of smartphones among children, too. Although many parents are easy on this matter, here are some of the consequences of the overuse of mobile phones or any electronic gadget:
- Brain effects: Mobile radiation affects the brain and can cause changes in emotions, learning ability, and behaviour. The brain is most vulnerable to radiation until the age of 25, so people should be careful, especially with children.
- Interpersonal Communication: Overusing phones puts children at risk of losing out on normal social interaction and can lead to various behavioural and mental issues in the future.
- Emotional responses: Due to the above reasons, emotional stability is affected. Children may soon resort to agitation, tantrums, and impatience. They lose the interpersonal connection and empathetic qualities that will further isolate them from others. An imbalance in emotional expression is caused.
- Chronic physical health issues: The prolonged physical inactivity and overuse of phones will result in joint pains, muscle spasms, eye-related difficulties, and body posture issues.
- Sleep patterns: Using mobile phones in bed or before sleep can disrupt sleep patterns by confusing the brain with the light emitted. Children who play games in bed until they fall asleep may not have enough time to relax and calm themselves before sleeping.
- Adult sites and inappropriate habits: Children are often not monitored while using phones and can stumble upon inappropriate content, leading to improper texting, cyberbullying, and other harmful practices.
Five tips to deal with children
- Set A Good Example:
Lead by example! Limit your screen time and set rules around phone use for your child. For instance, no phones during family time or dinner. Stick to your rules and be consistent.
- Set Limits on Screen Time
- Set a time limit for mobile usage.
- Encourage using it as a learning tool.
- Take the mobile during the night.
- Avoid exposing children below 18 months to screens.
- Children between 18-24 months can be exposed briefly with parental supervision.
- Limit screen time to one hour per day for children between 2-5 years.
- For children above 6 years, decide on a suitable time limit.
- Encourage Other Activities
On no-device day, encourage your kids to participate in household chores and learn new activities like singing, dancing, and drawing of their choice.
- Get Them Involved in Family Activities
This has to be a priority for all ages. Children must be encouraged to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds to be socially functional and not isolate themselves. This includes guests at home and times when they are highly tempted to use phones. Good exposure to people around them will help them relate better with others and also have healthier intrapersonal growth.
- Educate children on the side effects of too much screen time
You might be urged to take away a mobile phone from your child every time they are on it. Setting rules without explaining the reasons
behind them rarely has the desired effect. Before setting the screen-time rules at home, explain to your child the adverse effects of mobile usage.
Many schools have strict policies against using mobile phones on their premises and surrounding areas. At Athena Global School, we abide by this rule and urge all parents to follow suit. By doing so, we can ensure a healthier and more fulfilling childhood for their children.
Author:Mrs.Durga Devi, CCA Coordinator, Athena Global School, Chennai
