We frequently criticize our children for becoming overly absorbed in their mobile phones and neglecting other activities. But who's really to be blamed for it? How are we changing our approach to prevent our children from falling into this web of addiction?
In today’s times, phones have become our inevitable companion and to one’s surprise, there is even a name given to this fixation! “Nomophobia," which stands for "NO MObile PHOne phoBIA” referring to the fear of being without a mobile phone, and is commonly associated with the compulsive use of smartphones
and the anxiety people feel when they're unable to access their devices.
Ten years ago, such a term would have been deemed irrelevant but in the world that we live today, it is a global condition. Do we pass on this obsession just as we pass down our inherited traits to our children?
Covid-19 increases smartphone addiction for children, poses health risksIn a family setting, everyone is either texting or taking pictures with their phones, resulting in minimal interaction with each other. Children absorb their surroundings like sponges, learning through the reflections of their environment. Therefore, when we expose our children to such an environment, they naturally internalise these behaviours.
Primarily, parents gave their kids phones to keep them occupied while they attended home or office work, only to realize later that they inadvertently created a Frankenstein. Sometimes, they hand them over the phone simply because they don't want to entertain their kids themselves.
Blaming only parents isn't entirely fair, considering other influential factors. For instance, peer pressure from friends who heavily use mobile devices can normalize excessive screen time.
Children may also experience FOMO regarding social interactions, updates, and trends, which is a common phenomenon.
Besides, mobile phones can serve as a means of escaping boredom, stress, or difficult emotions, providing an ephemeral distraction or comfort.
Furthermore, in the context of Bangladesh, there are few outdoor activity options such as parks, coupled with increasing safety concerns regarding children playing outdoors.
In case you are wondering what's the worst that could happen by collective mobile addiction of children, here's what happens. Excessive mobile use by children can lead to health problems, strained relationships, and developmental issues. It sets a poor example, impacting mental well-being and safety.
Addressing these concerns involves setting boundaries, promoting real-life interactions, and fostering balanced screen habits.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 222 children in the age group of 5-12 years by Researchgate and the results showcase that 42.3% of children aged 5-12 years suffer from mobile phone addiction.
A survey conducted by Slicktext in 2022-2023 further reiterates that children aged 8-10 typically devote approximately 6 hours daily to screen activities. This screen time escalates with age: children aged 11-14 spend about 7.5 hours daily on screens, while teenagers aged 15-18 average 9 hours.
Now that we've identified the crux of the issue, what steps can we take to tackle or mitigate it?
If parents want their kids to decrease their screen time, they should lead by example and start reducing their own screen time first.
Parents can begin with setting screen time limits by establishing specific times during the day like dinner tables and playrooms when screens are off-limits for everyone in the family, including adults.
Moreover, they can even indulge in family activities like board games, puzzles or even outdoor games.
Parents could even choose to communicate openly by discussing the importance of balancing screen time with other activities and explain the benefits of reducing screen time for overall well-being.
We can all strive to create a healthier environment for our families where technology serves as a tool rather than an obsession.
