It’s been a decade of observing and witnessing children as young as toddlers, who effortlessly could navigate, operate smartphones. No screen time limits observed, no parental control practised largely. If yes then very generously I would say 5 %.
Children can handle, scroll to get just instant access to their favourite cartoons and little older primary school going are all expert in games.
Mothers, who are often the primary caretakers of their offsprings, handover phones conveniently during feeding times or when they throw tantrums, just because it makes their life easy. Parents are seriously unaware of the long- term effects on their loving children.
These young tech users have already learnt to swipe, tap and scroll much before they can speak clearly. This behaviourer attitude raises serious concerns.
Excessive screen time hinder their academic learning, performance in exams.
I have very candidly and vividly observed many mothers instructing offsprings to study immediately after watching their favourite cartoon. It is humanly impossible to switch off in split seconds the effect of cartoons and games on a child’s mind and start studying.
Disturbance in sleep pattern cause sleep deprivation which is just not all good for their mental health.
Further the mothers should not lose sight of the fact that in the absence of sufficient physical activity and sports, the risk of obesity runs very high.
While eating junk food, the children just don’t get that feel as to when they should stop gulping trash which may shorten the life cycle.
While watching all sorts of episodes they can become the victim of anxiety and depression easily due to their immature minds, hence, face mental health challenges. Socialising in their lives equal to zero make them socially impaired.
The other day with friends I was at a restaurant for lunch. Witnessed a disturbing trend with school students at a restaurant. All belong to my friend’s school. She instantly recalled what happened in their class that day. Last 15 minutes were free suddenly all reached out to their phones instead of talking to each other.
When asked to keep their phones in the bags and converse instead, they stared with blank expressions, as if questioning discuss what? Looked blank, no topics, no words they could talk about.
This incident surely raised alarms
In conclusion:
= Too much reliance on technology
= Loss of social skills
= Creativity loss diminishing on daily basis
All the above three points will harm their lives in future. Will have negative impact on their personality.
If look back in the past during 1970’s, TV time was limited. People mostly were engaged in reading , crafts and other hobbies.
If the present trend continues, the future seems to be of grave concern.
The consequences of excessive screen time are of real worry.
It is high time for parents to ponder, contemplate their approach.
The big question is will they be able to cope in a tech free world?
To conclude, I refer here, Aravind Srinvas, Perplexity CEO’s advice to the young generation, the Gen Z, he said in an interview to, “The Economic Times “, a business focused newspaper.
“Reels aren’t real learning. Stop scrolling and start thinking. Go build your own future.”
