Mobile use by kids is not good ,through the fast moving digital era, mobile smartphones has been ubiquitous and it has caused change in the way that people use communication, access and information finding, and entertainment.
Heavily used, these devices come in handy as they offer so many advantages; however their imagined prominence have raised questions especially those of their impact on children.
By all means, mobile smartphones have educational and entertaining potentials whilst there are negative aspects on the physical and mental well-being of children too.
Mobile use by kids Good or Bad
Physical Health Concerns:
a.) Sedentary Lifestyle:
The misuse of mobile phones is a growing threat among the youths. One major problem is that children spend more hours being hooked up to their smartphones, causing physical inactivity. Lack of physical activity may lead to the development of health-related issues such as obesity, postural disorders, and muscle loss / weakness.
b.) Eye Strain and Sleep Disruption:
Overuse of screen, particularly before going to bed may cause eyes fatigue, and accordingly, it may hinder sleep patterns. The visibile blue light emmited by the smartphones can hamper the hormone melatonin that has a direct effect on sleep.
Mental Health Implications:
a.) Social Isolation:
Smartphone overuse could result in social loneliness as kids might give preference to digital connections over the real-world communication. This can stand as an obstacle on the way of building major social skills and bring in a feeling of loneliness. It can be a real long-term issue to the students’ capacity to build social skills.
b.) Cyberbullying and Online Harassment:
Children who live in the world of the digital face the danger of experiencing cyberbulling and on-line harassments. Anonymity that a smartphone gives helps people to do nasty actions, so psyche children might get damaged.
Educational Impact:
a) Distraction: Mobile phones can be a source of distraction, affecting a child’s ability to focus on schoolwork and other educational activities.
b) Inappropriate Content: Unrestricted access to the internet through mobile phones increases the risk of exposure to inappropriate content, potentially impacting a child’s mental and emotional well-being.
Conclusion
The potential health concerns, both physical and mental, underline the importance of setting reasonable limits on screen time and ensuring that the content accessed is age-appropriate. Balancing the positive aspects of mobile technology with the need for real-world interactions is key to fostering healthy social development in children.
Moreover, the risks associated with online activities, such as cyberbullying and privacy issues, emphasize the necessity of educating children about responsible digital citizenship. Parents play a pivotal role in guiding their children through the complexities of the digital world, instilling a sense of awareness and caution.