While gadgets like smartphones, tablets and computers can be hugely productive tools, a compulsive use of these devices can interfere with studies of young kids. Anyone spending more time on social media or playing games cannot help but check text or apps even while interacting with others.
Phone addiction, known as nomophobia or the fear of being without a mobile phone, is often fuelled by overuse of Internet or addiction disorder. It’s not the phone or tablet that creates the compulsion, rather the games, apps and online world it connects one to.
The digital age has exposed children to new risks. Excessive mobile phone use can heighten their susceptibility to cyberbullying and online predators. The children may inadvertently share personal information or engage in risky online behaviour while using mobile phones, rendering them vulnerable to malicious individuals, said Parvinder Kaur, Assistant professor, Community Science, at Punjab Agricultural University’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Samrala.
Mobile addiction is also affecting the health of the children as they are constantly looking at phones. Various physical and mental health issues being faced by kids include eye ailments, hearing loss, difficulty in speaking, virtual autism, too much anger, irritability, talking loudly, etc, added Parminder Kaur, professor in Home Science at PAU’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Moga.
Parvinder and Parminder list the ways that parents can use to curb phone addiction among children:
Be calm parents
As a parent be calm and firm with your words while dealing with children. Don’t give in to child’s tantrums. Talk calmly to your child while taking away the gadget from him or her.
Set screen time limit
Set a daily limit on how much time your child can spend on smartphone.
Create tech-free zones
Create no-phone zones at home, like in the bedroom or dining room.
Become role model
You can never stop a child from something that you are doing yourself. Stop/avoid using mobile phones in front of your children if you want them not to watch TV or use mobile phone.
Spend time with children
Try spending quality time with children with no gadgets around. Play board games, sing rhymes or go out together. Bonding with your kids or spending time with them regularly will help them get rid of smartphone addiction.
Use tech to impose checks
Mobile phones come with the option of enabling kids mode or setting passwords for certain apps. Enable these options when you give smartphones to your kids. Setting time limit can help cut their phone usage.
Don’t give phone as reward
Sometimes we as parents promise our children that they will get mobile to use, watch videos or play games if they will behave in front of relatives, sing a rhyme, etc.
Play outdoor games
Not only children even adults are addicted to mobile games. No one plays outdoor games like we used to play. Outdoor games help brain development in children. They improve attention and concentration. Playing outdoor games can help children shun mobile phones, besides building better parent-child bond.
Engage children in
household chores
Help your children to do their own work. Engaging them in daily household chores is good and beneficial for them. Prioritise your child’s tasks so that he/she doesn’t have time to use mobile phone.
While mobile phones have undeniably revolutionised our lives, it is crucial to acknowledge and address the potential harmful side effects the gadget can have on children. At the same time, it is equally important to provide children with guidance on mitigating these effects. Parents, educators and society are responsible for promoting a healthy and balanced approach to mobile phone usage, ensuring that children are protected from the potential harms of excessive screen time.
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