Children all over the world use smartphones for different purposes. Some of them are seen talking to their friends for hours, while others spend their time playing countless games. Internet is a storehouse of knowledge for children. It can help them in getting information about many types of topics and can also help them in research for projects. However, there are also dangers in using this tool for long periods of time or allowing children to access content that is wrong for their age. Although the benefits of smartphones cannot be debated, constant use and exposure can have harmful effects on the child.
Bad Effects Of Smartphones/Cell Phones On Children
Mobile phones can be an easy way to distract children or keep them busy. However, it also has its disadvantages. Some of the bad effects of regular use of mobile phones are:
1. Possibility of tumour
Now, we don’t mean to scare you with this information, but it’s good to know that studies show that people who overuse cellphones may have an increased risk of tumours. There is little evidence that tumours are caused by cellphone radiation, but as a parent, you may want to reduce your children’s phone usage time to avoid potential risks.
2. Affects brain activity
Studies show that the human brain is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation; However, more studies are needed to prove that radiation can disturb brain activity. Since mobile phones work primarily on electromagnetic waves for all types of communication, even internal communication, and the brain has its own electric impulses that communicate across neural networks, this may have an impact on the brain. Could. However, as mentioned earlier, further research is needed to prove that radiation affects brain activity.
For now, what can impact the brain is the content the child watches and screen time. Therefore, it is important for parents to control or limit screen time and ensure that children get only certain programs, games, etc. that are appropriate for their age. Spending less time on the cellphone will not affect the child’s studies or other important things/activities like studies, hobbies, sports etc.
3. Academic performance is low
Many children take school phones with them. Chatting with friends or playing games during school breaks or even in class is increasing day by day. The result is that children are unable to pay attention in class, miss important lessons, and as a result, they have no knowledge about studies and exams.
4. Possibility of irregularities in studies
Smartphones not only divert children’s attention from studies, but can also become a means of their wrong actions to score good marks in exams. Using inbuilt calculators where exams are not allowed, storing photos or reference information to cheat on exams, or sharing answers on chat with other students during exams has been commonly seen in many schools. This type of behaviour not only affects studies but also creates personality related problems.
5. Access to wrong media
Like any other gadget, mobile phone is also a tool and can be used for wrongdoings. Children can see wrong messages, images, or text shared with their friends or groups, and pass it on to others. They can watch pornography at an early age, which changes their thinking and way of thinking. Even sharing your images irresponsibly can cause disturbances that have a long-lasting impact on their lives.
6. Difficulty in sleep
Children may stay up late talking to friends, playing games, or scrolling through social media, which leads to fatigue and restlessness over time. This also causes problems in education, because children fall asleep so much that they are unable to pay attention to what is taught in school. Therefore, it has a domino effect that affects every aspect of their life.
7. Medical problems
Children remain glued to mobile phones in their free time, so they are not able to do any physical activity and get fresh air. Due to this, they are at risk of obesity and other diseases, which can later turn into dangerous diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
8. Problems related to mental health
Children on social media may be exposed to cyberbullying that harasses and bullies them on the Internet. Many cyber-bully children talk about their experiences much later in life when they have suffered mental damage. When children do not get the attention they expect online, social media can also cause depression and anxiety.
9. Decrease in social skills
A child who sees the world in their mobile phone may choose to isolate themselves from friends and family, rather than making new friends or talking to others. This can reduce the development of social skills in children, which affects them as they grow up.
10. Wrong posture
Some children can sit with their shoulders bent and their heads bowed, staring at their phones for hours a day. This causes pain in shoulders, back, neck and other things in the long run. Posture problems are a major concern for most mobile phone users, including children.
With a little awareness, parents can be alert and make sure to prevent all or most of the risks mentioned above for their children. Read on for some safety tips to reduce the risks of mobile phones in children.
Mobile Phone Security Tips To Reduce Risk
- As children grow up, it is important to take the right steps to ensure mobile phone security.
- Generally, avoid giving cell phones to children under 16. If needed, you can stay in touch with teachers and school staff to ensure your child’s safety and health. Some parents may choose something else, and that’s okay, as long as the child has no or limited access to content that diverts his or her attention from studies.
- If you’re concerned about radiation, you can put your child on a wired headset or reduce his or her talking time while talking on the phone, rather than having him or her put the phone on the ear. As mentioned earlier, there isn’t enough evidence to prove that cellphone radiation can cause tumours, but if it reduces your anxiety, try it. When your child is in an activity, avoid constantly giving him your mobile phone, as this will distract him or cause him to fall and get injured.
- As an elder, it is important for parents and other people at home to reduce phone use when they are around children. This is not only to avoid radiation, but also to create a behaviour pattern.
- Keep your mobile phone safe with you at night and away from the sight of children. Kids can try to catch it quietly, and you won’t even know.
- Apply parental controls to your child’s phone or any other way he or she uses the Internet. This will ensure that he does not see information or content that is not for his age.
- Keep in mind how someone behaves when they come to your child while talking on the phone. If he seems uncomfortable or upset, it would be better if you reduce his phone usage.
- Choose the right monthly phone plan that gives your child the right limits to use. Avoid unlimited plans, as they can make your child addicted to smartphones.
How To Get Rid Of Smartphone Addiction In Children?
- Smartphone addiction is a growing concern in the new generation, as the Internet provides them with all kinds of content, and opens up an ocean of information for them. However, if your child is addicted to his smartphone, it is important to get rid of it as soon as possible. Here are some ways to deal with this problem.
- Make strict rules for screen time. Your child should balance between non-smartphone and smartphone play.
- Ask your child to prioritize homework, household chores, socializing, and other important things.
- Avoid using smartphones as a reward or distraction. This should just be considered a tool that your child uses for some time every day.
- Use activity-based learning to engage your child in non-smartphone activities.
- Make sure that your child does not use his smartphone for too long during the day. He should take regular breaks.
What Are The Warning Signs That Your Child Is Addicted To Smartphones?
- Whenever your child is using his or her smartphone, keep an eye on it to catch any early warning signs of smartphone addiction. This addiction in children is seen in these five ways:
- Holding the phone tightly all day.
- Difficulty controlling emotions, which suddenly leads to anger.
- Sleep cycle disturbance.
- Inability to pay attention to school or extracurricular activities.
- Difficulty socializing or maintaining friendships in the real world.
- Like every technology or tool, mobile phone is also a double-edged sword. The technological power of smartphones is tremendous, and it is also a good learning tool for children. However, keeping things under control and keeping hours of use short helps a lot in the well-being of children and inculcating good habits in them.
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- Understanding The Impact Of Mobile Phones On Children: Important Parenting Tips
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- Mobile Phone Addiction: A Hidden Threat To Your Brain And Health
- The Hidden Epidemic: How Smartphones Are Changing Our Lives And Minds
- Cell Phone Radiation: Revealing The Science Behind The Discussion
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