Punjab: Gadgets like smartphones, tablets and computers can be extremely productive tools, but compulsive use of these devices can hamper the studies of young children. Anyone who spends a lot of time on social media or playing games cannot stop themselves from checking texts or apps even when they are interacting with others. Phone addiction, called nomophobia or the fear of being without a mobile phone, is often aggravated by excessive internet use or addiction disorder. It is not the phone or tablet that creates the compulsion, but the games, apps and the online world it connects you to. The digital age has exposed children to new risks. Excessive use of mobile phones can increase their vulnerability to cyberbullying and online predators.
Parvinder Kaur, assistant professor of community science at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Samrala, Punjab Agricultural University, said children may inadvertently share personal information or engage in risky online behaviour while using mobile phones, making them vulnerable to malicious individuals. Mobile addiction is also affecting the health of children as they keep looking at the phone constantly. Parminder Kaur, Professor of Home Science at PAU’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Moga, said that children are facing a variety of physical and mental health problems, including eye diseases, hearing loss, difficulty in speaking, virtual autism, excessive anger, irritability, talking in a loud voice, etc. While mobile phones have undoubtedly revolutionised our lives, it is important to acknowledge and address the potentially harmful side effects of the gadgets on children. At the same time, it is equally important to provide guidance to children to minimise these effects. Parents, teachers and society are responsible for promoting a healthy and balanced approach to mobile phone use, ensuring that children are protected from the potential harms of excessive screen time.
