Mobile phones and the internet have become integral to modern life, offering unparalleled convenience and access to information. However, their excessive and unsupervised use has significantly impacted children, leading to the loss of childhood innocence and numerous adverse effects.
In today’s digital era, where everything is available at our fingertips, the internet is indispensable. While it offers several advantages, its disadvantages, especially for children, cannot be ignored. According to data from World Internet Stats, children and young people are the most frequent users of the internet. While this provides entertainment and knowledge, it disconnects them from the real world.
The unrestricted use of mobile phones has become a pressing concern. When a mobile phone is handed to a child, it often leads to the parent losing control over the child’s habits and behavior. Excessive and unnecessary use of the internet isolates children from real human connections, exposing them to an overwhelming amount of information, much of which can be harmful. The decision to give children mobile phones may be the biggest mistake made by many parents, with long-lasting negative consequences.
One major issue is that parents are often unaware of the harmful effects of the internet. Many parents lack familiarity with technology and fail to recognize its dangers. Tragically, parents are often the ones introducing mobile phones to their children to keep them occupied. Whether it’s to stop a child from crying, keep them busy, or maintain peace in the household, mobile phones become substitutes for parental attention. Over time, children become addicted to these devices, spending hours watching videos, playing games, and accessing inappropriate content.
Today’s children spend countless hours seeking validation through social media platforms like Instagram, where they chase likes and attention. They are often victims of cyber bullying and waste valuable time on activities like playing games, chatting on WhatsApp, and consuming content created by YouTube influencers. Excessive use of mobile phones impacts children’s health. Prolonged screen time leads to eye strain, vision problems, and even mental health issues such as loneliness, depression, and stress. Children may also experience anger, a lack of appetite, and disinterest in the real world.
Excessive use of mobile phones often distracts children from their studies. Excessive use of the phone is linked to anxiety, depression and stress in children. Social media, games and online chats lead to procrastination and reduce focus on academic goals, leading to poor performance. This also leads to sleep disorders. In modern times, our children are becoming addicted to mobile phones. Using your phone late at night leads to sleep deprivation, which affects concentration, mood, and overall health. This addiction to the internet leads to the lack of interest in studies, sports, and family relationships. As a result, children struggle academically, socially and emotionally.
Parents and educators must take responsibility for guiding children toward the positive use of technology. Parents should limit mobile phone and internet usage, spending more time with their children to foster strong relationships and encourage real-world activities. Creating an environment where children can focus on studying, playing, and engaging socially is crucial.
Despite its challenges, technology can be a valuable tool for children when used correctly. Parents should supervise their children’s internet use, providing access to educational and constructive content. Schools and communities should also educate parents about technology, helping them understand the benefits and risks associated with mobile phones and the internet.
By balancing the use of technology, parents can help children build a bright future. Proper guidance and monitoring can ensure that mobile phones and the internet support children’s development instead of hindering it. We should guide children towards productive use of mobile phones, such as educational apps, documentaries and learning platforms.
Encourage the 20-20-20 rule: For every 20 minutes of screen time, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This reduces eye strain and promotes better posture. Finding a balance between benefits and harms requires a combined effort from parents, educators, policymakers, and children themselves. By encouraging healthy habits and promoting digital literacy, we can ensure that mobile phones play a positive role in our children’s future.
(Author hails from Washbugh Pulwama and has qualified NET/JRF. She can be reached at:[email protected])
