Many of us might not be addicted to drugs or cigarettes or alcohol; but our addiction to our mobile phones is dangerous than any other addictions. Smart Mobile phones are no doubt a constructive invention by mankind, but the effects that mobile phones pose on us are destructive.
Ok, now, let’s accept the fact that even kids these days are slaves to mobile phones. And we as parents are somewhere to be blamed for the abnormality. Why abnormality? A few generations back, children had no interest whatsoever in sitting calm. They preferred going out and playing with friends, going to a nearby garden, they used to be stubborn to be taken out on bike rides with the fathers on holidays or at the most watch a favourite cartoon show on TV for a maximum of half an hour. The scenario has changed these days, kids have become much calmer and composed. Their zest and energy seems to have disappeared. They will happily agree to you not allowing them to play out, but talk to them about not using the mobile phone; they’ll surely create a ruckus in the house. And yes, parents are to be blamed here.
Screen Dependency Disorder in Kids -
We want matters to be easy these days. We don’t want to sit for hours feeding our kids while telling them stories. We don’t want to sit with our kids and play for hours when they are bored. We don’t want to cajole them when they are throwing tantrums. No, we are too busy to give time to our kids now-a-days. We adopt the easiest resort by handing them over our mobile phones. Everything falls in place instantly. The kids stop crying, they eat food fast and there is no moment of boredom with mobile phones in hand.
Psychologists have researched and concluded the fact that the range of screen time that kids spend these days are in no way doing them any good. It is leading to a myriad of physical and mental damage to the kids to today’s generation.
Physical Damage :
- Behavioural disorders
- Sleep problems/insomnia
- Eyesight problems
- Headaches
- Poor nutrition
- Weight gain or loss
Mental Damage :
- Slow cognitive growth
- Anxiety
- Loneliness
- Extreme mood swings
- Abnormal brain anatomical structure/Brain shrinkage
How much Screen Time should be allowed?
Screen time is really not necessary for kids. However, children aged 2-5 years should not be allowed a screen time over one hour. And for kids below 18 months, do them a favour parents, just keep them away from such electronic devices.
How to Prevent Screen Dependency Disorder?
- Encourage them to spend time outdoors
- Play with colours and paint
- Play constructive games like lego and building blocks
- Read books, tell them stories; let their imaginations fly wild
Mobile phones and like devices restricts their thinking process. It has also been found out that SDD causes brain damage.
If you notice any abnormal physical and mental concerns in your child, consult a developmental paediatrician for child counselling sessions.
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