Childhood and adolescence are another name for the carefree life. They are supposed to spend their time playing various games in the field, alleys of the city, in the yard, on the roof or on the balcony. But day by day, most children's childhood is being captured in the world of smartphones. Maybe the parents have given the smartphone to the small child to feed or to keep him busy, and then gradually the child is trapped in that smartphone world. A study published in the Journal of the Human Development and Capability has shown that the use of smartphones before the age of 13 is seriously damaging the mental health of children.
In children under the age of 13, the use of smartphones has been associated with suicidal thoughts, weakness in emotional control, lack of values, and a tendency to disconnect from reality. This has been seen to a greater extent in girls than in boys.
These children spend a large part of their day on social media, which disrupts their sleep and exposes them to negative experiences such as cyberbullying. The findings are so alarming that researchers have called for global restrictions to prevent children under the age of 13 from using smartphones and social media.
No Facebook or Instagram before the age of 16
American social psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt, in his book 'The Anxious Generation', recommends waiting until children are 16 to use social media. A UK study found that teenagers who use social media during adolescence are less satisfied with their lives within a year.
In this era of smart gadgets, it is difficult for parents to keep their children away from social media. However, if all parents take this initiative together, it is possible to succeed.
Even if you don't see any unusual behavior in your child, discuss mental health issues openly with him/her.Talk openly with your child.
If you've already let your child use a smartphone, don't worry about it, says clinical psychologist Dr. Melissa Greenberg. Even if you don't see any unusual behavior in your child, have an open discussion with them about mental health issues so they can come to you with any concerns.
It is still possible to make changes.
Parents often get frustrated with teenagers during puberty. Sometimes it may seem impossible to keep them away from their smartphones. According to Dr. Melissa Greenberg, instead of smartphones, they can be given a button phone at this time, or certain apps can be deleted from the phone.
Many times, when something is taken away from us, or when we are asked to change a habit, we adults do not take it well. This is not uncommon for children. If you are patient and explain it to them and get them interested in sports or other creative activities, it is possible to gradually remove children from smartphone addiction.
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