The Impact of Mobile Phone Overuse on Children: A Growing Concern

Reshmi Mohan A, Child Developmental Therapist, SUT Hospital, Pattom

In today’s digital age, mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives. While these devices offer numerous benefits, their overuse, especially among children, has raised significant concerns.

Physical Health Issues

• Eye Strain: Children who spend prolonged periods staring at screens are at risk of developing digital eye strain.
• Sleep Disruption: The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep.

Mental Health Effects

• Addiction: Mobile phones can be highly addictive, with children spending hours on games, social media, and other apps. This addiction can lead to reduced attention spans and dependency on devices for entertainment.
• Anxiety and Depression: High levels of phone use are linked to increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness.

Social Skills

• Reduced Face-to-Face Interaction: Overuse of mobile phones limits opportunities for face-to-face interactions, crucial for developing social skills and forming meaningful relationships.
• Communication Issues: Children who spend a lot of time on their phones may struggle with effective communication.

Academic Performance

• Distraction: Mobile phones are a significant source of distraction, affecting concentration and focus during study time. This can lead to lower academic performance.
• Reduced Reading and Critical Thinking: The instant gratification provided by mobile phones can reduce children’s engagement in deep reading and critical thinking activities.

Behavioral Changes

• Impulsivity and Aggression: Excessive gaming and screen time can lead to impulsive behaviour and increased aggression in some children.

Recommendations for Parents

• Establish clear rules regarding screen time and promote physical activity.
• Parents should model healthy phone usage habits, demonstrating balanced use of technology.
• Keep track of the content children are accessing on their phones and guide them towards age-appropriate and educational materials.

By implementing practical strategies and setting healthy boundaries, parents can help their children develop a balanced relationship with technology, ensuring their overall well-being and development.