Your child also addicted to phone? Know its causes and preventive measures

your child a victim of phone addiction? Symptoms and treatment

Krishi Dunia

• 20 Jan, 2025 12:35 PM IST ,
• Updated Mon, 20 Jan 2025 06:40 PM

Smartphones have become an indispensable part of modern life in today's digital world. However, do you know how these smartphones are affecting your child’s physical, mental, and emotional development? Mobile addiction is becoming a serious issue, distancing children from their studies, social lives, and health. In this article, we will understand why children get addicted to mobile phones, the dangerous consequences of this addiction, and what you can do to protect your child.

Reasons for Mobile Addiction in Children:

Several reasons contribute to children getting addicted to mobile phones:

1. Entertainment and Easy Access: Mobile phones offer games, YouTube videos, and social media platforms that quickly attract children. These become easy sources of entertainment for them.
2. Parents' Busy Schedules: When parents are busy with work, they often give their children mobile phones to keep them quiet. This habit slowly turns into addiction.
3. Peer Influence: Children often start using mobile phones because their friends are using them. If their friends play games or use social media, they are likely to follow suit.
4. Study Excuse: Children start using mobiles for online studies, but this habit gradually shifts to other activities.
5. Social Pressure: Today’s children face pressure to conform to societal norms. When they see their peers using mobiles, they also get attracted to it.

Negative Effects of Mobile Addiction:

Mobile addiction negatively affects children’s physical, mental, and social life:

1. Physical Effects:
   • Eye Problems: Prolonged screen exposure can strain children’s eyes, leading to weakened vision.
   • Obesity: Children who spend a lot of time on mobile phones tend to avoid physical activities, leading to weight gain.
   • Lack of Sleep: Mobile usage at night negatively impacts children's sleep patterns.
2. Mental Effects:
   • Irritability: Excessive mobile use can make children irritable and quick to anger.
   • Lack of Focus: Spending more time on mobile devices reduces their ability to concentrate on studies and other activities.
   • Stress and Depression: Children may compare themselves to others on social media, leading to stress and even depression.
3. Social Effects:
   • Distance from Family and Friends: Children addicted to mobiles avoid spending quality time with family and friends.
   • Decreased Social Skills: Children’s ability to communicate and interact socially deteriorates over time.

Prevention Tips to Help Children Overcome Mobile Addiction:

Although it is challenging, it is not impossible to prevent mobile addiction. Parents can adopt the following measures:

1. Limit Screen Time: Establish a daily screen time limit for your child. Experts recommend 1 hour of screen time for children aged 5-10 years.
2. Engage in Creative Activities: Keep children busy with activities like reading, painting, music, or dance. This will divert their attention from mobile phones.
3. Encourage Physical Activities: Motivate children to participate in physical activities such as cricket, football, badminton, or cycling.
4. Create Tech-Free Zones: Designate areas in your home, such as the dining table or bedroom, as tech-free zones.
5. Be a Role Model: Parents should limit their own mobile usage. Children are more likely to follow their parents' habits.
6. Reward System: Praise and reward your child when they use the mobile less.
7. Monitor Social Media Activity: Keep track of what your child is viewing on their mobile device.
8. Keep Mobiles Away at Night: Keep mobile phones away during bedtime and place them outside the bedroom for charging.

Recommended Screen Time Limit for Different Age Groups:

Experts recommend the following screen time for children of different age groups:

• Under 2 years: No screen time.
• 3-5 years old: Maximum 1 hour.
• 6-12 years old: 1-2 hours.
• Teenagers: No more than 2 hours.

Preventing Addiction to Reels and Social Media:

Reels and short video platforms are becoming increasingly popular among children. To prevent addiction:

• Encourage children to follow educational and inspirational pages.
• Limit their time spent watching reels.
• Show them that real-life relationships and experiences are far more valuable than virtual ones.

Benefits of Digital Detox: Follow a "Digital Detox" once a week, where no mobile phones are used. This will redirect the child’s attention toward creative activities.

Mobile addiction can be harmful to children’s health and their future. However, with the right awareness and guidance from parents, this can be prevented. Keep children engaged in positive activities, limit mobile usage, and ensure they stay physically and mentally healthy.

Remember, proper use of technology is essential for a happy and successful life. Your guidance will lead them toward a brighter and safer future.