A nationwide survey has deepened concerns about digital-era addictions. The survey, conducted in 287 districts across India, found that 28 per cent children spend six hours or longer, and 34 per cent between three and six hours, on digital devices.
Among urban parents, 71 per cent reported that their children had access to either a smartphone, desktop, laptop or tablet for all or most part of the day outside their in-person classroom times.
Earlier this year, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), based on a study, “effects (physical, behavioural and psycho-social) of using mobile phones and other devices with internet accessibility by children, said most nearly quarter of children use smartphones while they are in bed, before going to sleep which increase with age.
Experts underscore that these findings provided fresh evidence of social media and other online addiction among children and the same remains a ‘concern’.
Use of smart phones at inapt times can have detrimental impact on the health and well-being of children, they underlined. One such impact, the experts said, is reduction in level of concentration among children.
As per researchers, the use of interactive screen time on such devices could also impair a child’s development of the skills needed for math and science.
Radiation is another health concern as cellphones work by using radio waves. So whether you’re holding your device to your ear or sleeping with it near your head, your body may be absorbing this energy, according to the National Cancer Institute. At the same, the research still hasn’t definitively linked this exposure to health problems in children and teenagers.
The repeated mobile and other digital device use increases children’s social isolation, robs them of time for social activities with others, and interferes with social development. In addition, the frequent mobile use may increase children’s social isolation, resulting in depression and loneliness. Further, more time spent using media can displace time used for quality parent-child interaction, such as sharing enriching experiences and activities.
Repeated exposure to violence and aggression through smart phone use including playing violent games or viewing violent media programs can also lead to aggressive and violent behavior.
The details revealed by the surveys and concerns expressed by the experts need to be taken seriously. The parents have a pivotal role to play and they must ensure that children play games more than they spend time using the smart phones. The winter months are more challenging and efficient management of time by children should be the priority of all parents and guardians.