Mobile addiction adversely affecting the mental-physical health of children

Jalandhar : Dr. Naresh Purohit, Adviser, National Mental Health Program said that early exposure and addiction to digital devices has led to rapid growth in children, adversely affecting their mental and physical health. Expressing concern over mobile phone addiction among urban and rural children of Punjab, Dr. Purohit said that excessive use of mobile phone screens affects the brain development of children. He said that according to a recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics, the average time spent by children staring at screens has increased by 52 per cent since the start of the pandemic. He said that there has been a significant increase in mobile phone addiction not only among children but also among adults, but these smartphones usually leave negative mental health aspects in children as their brains are in the developing stage.

The renowned doctor said that it is becoming common for parents to give phones or other digital devices to children to pacify them or coax them to eat. Parents may see this as an easier option, but it is more harmful to children. He blamed the parents, saying that the practice is so common that almost one out of every two parents indulge in it, as they lack the patience and time to soothe the child. He added that when children spend excessive time looking at devices, it leads to a delay in their mental development. As a result, the child becomes irritable and throws tantrums.

baby losing interest in talking

As a result of parents handing out phones to calm their children, children are slowly losing interest in talking and struggling to understand emotions. Feeding while looking at the child’s phone or playing makes the child eat more, which can lead to obesity. He said that diabetes among children is on the rise and this could be one of the reasons.

emotional intelligence being affected

Dr. Purohit said that addiction to digital devices in children is affecting their emotional intelligence, affecting their ability to process emotions. Behavioral problems emerge because there is no physical contact or exposure to real life. Social media likes or validation by the virtual world have replaced parental or family affection, praise and approval.

New disorder called nomophobia in children

A new disorder called nomo (no-mobile) phobia has emerged in children which causes reactions like anxiety, frustration, irritability, palpitations, loneliness and depression. Dr. Purohit said since smart devices provide instant answers, their impatience and impulsive urges are being addressed quickly, creating low attention span and patience levels, affecting cognitive abilities. The virtual world provides a safe space where they do not have to face their anxieties or problems such as loss of self-esteem.

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