In today’s time, the mobile phone has become an important part of our lives. Checking notifications first thing in the morning and checking the screen for the last time before sleeping at night has become a habit. But the real problem occurs when children and teenagers start spending hours on the phone. This habit gradually turns into an addiction, and its effect is clearly visible on their mind, body, and social relationships.
In this article, we will understand why mobile phone addiction is dangerous, what effects it has on children,n and what parents can do to stop it.
Why Has the Mobile Phone Become The Biggest Companion of Children?
For today’s generation, which we call Gen Z, the mobile phone is not just a gadget but their biggest companion. From studies to entertainment, everything happens through the screen. Children prefer to play online games instead of playing outside. They like scrolling on social media more than real conversation.
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Parents also unknowingly encourage this addiction. Silencing the child by playing cartoons during mealtime, handing over the phone when you are busy with work, or calming a crying child by showing him the screen – all these things gradually become a part of the child’s life.
Effect on Brain and Behavior
Scientific research shows that too much screen time changes children’s brains.
- Language and speaking ability: Young children learn to speak from their parents and people around them. But when they spend most of their time watching cartoons or games, their language development stops.
- Difficulty concentrating: Fast-paced videos and games immediately stimulate children’s brains. As a result, they find reading books, studying, or slow-paced work boring.
- Anger and irritability: When the phone is taken away from children, they get angry, cry, or become stubborn. This is exactly like taking away the addiction from a person with an addiction.
Dangers to Physical Health
Mobile phone addiction has a profound effect not only on mental health but also on physical health.
- Sleep problems: Watching the screen till late at night deteriorates the quality of sleep.
- Effect on eyesight: Watching the screen for a long time increases the pressure on children’s eyes, and they may need glasses soon.
- Obesity: Instead of playing outside, children’s bodies do not remain active due to sitting and using mobile devices for hours. This increases the problem of obesity.
- Digestive and dental problems: Many times, children eat food only when they are shown the screen. In such a situation, they do not chew properly, and issues like cavities occur in the teeth.
Distance From Social Relationships
The biggest problem with mobile phones is that children start getting disconnected from the real world. Earlier, the family used to sit together and talk and play, but now everyone is lost in their phones. Due to this, children are not able to develop social skills. They lag in speaking, making friends, and understanding the feelings of others.
What can parents do?
The more serious the problem, the more important its solution is. Here are some easy and effective solutions that parents can try.
1. Be an example yourself
Children learn what they see their parents doing. If you are always busy with the phone, then the child will also do the same. Therefore, you must reduce your screen time yourself.
2. Create a screen-free zone
Determine some places in the house where the phone is not used at all – like the dining table, bedroom, or the place where the family sits. This increases conversation and closeness in relationships.
3. Keep children younger than 2 years away from the phone
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that children younger than 2 years should not be given any screen time at all. For children between 2 and 5 years, a maximum of 1 hour is fine.
4. Give children options
If you want your child to use the phone less, then he should have other options. Such as playing outside, reading books, painting, solving puzzles, or playing board games with the family.
5. Set a time limit
For older children, set a limit on screen time. Such as not more than 1-2 hours daily. This limit has to be strictly enforced.
6. Create a positive environment
If the child is addicted to the phone, do not shout at him. This will increase the problem further. Instead, show him the right direction with love and understanding.
Why is it Important to Take Action Now?
Mobile phone addiction shows its effects gradually. It may seem trivial at first – “let’s just show a few cartoons” or “let them play a game” – but by the time parents realise, the damage is already done.
Children’s future, their education, health, and relationships – all can be at stake. That is why it is very important to take timely action.
The mobile phone is a wonderful invention that has made our lives easier. But when this very thing is used excessively, it can become harmful for children.
My name is Farhad Dawar and I am graduate of the Institute of Media and Communication Studies Bahaddin Zakariya University Multan Pakistan. I’m passionate about journalism and media, and I believe in journalism of courage, uncovering the truth, and shaping the future.
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
