Nainital. In today’s digital age, mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives. Every need of education, entertainment, information and contact is being fulfilled through mobile. But amidst this convenience, a serious question is also being raised whether parents are unknowingly pushing their children towards a “silent danger”? Mobiles and tablets in the hands of small children have now become a common sight, which can become a challenge for their future in the future.

Doctors believe that excessive use of mobile phones and screens at an early age is having a deep impact on the physical, mental and social development of children. Watching the screen for a long time causes problems like weak eyesight, headache, insomnia, neck and back pain. Along with this, due to less physical activities, obesity and laziness are also increasing rapidly, which can lead to serious diseases in the future.

Screens giving rise to mental illnesses

Dr. Garima Kandpal, a psychiatrist posted at BD Pandey District Hospital, Nainital, says that increasing screen time of children is becoming a major reason for the cases coming to the hospital these days. He told that children who have more screen time, their attention span gets affected. Such children are unable to focus on anything for a long time, which directly impacts their studies and learning ability. According to Dr. Garima, its serious side effects are being seen at the mental level also. Due to abundance of mobile and digital games, irritability, anger, restlessness and feeling of loneliness are increasing in children. The habit of watching social media and videos is taking children away from the real world. They are playing outside with friends, spending time with family and participating in creative activities less, which is hampering their social development. He also said that for children who already have neuro-related problems, watching screens at an early age can prove to be even more dangerous. Such children may have to face behavioral and mental problems in future.

Negligence of parents is becoming the reason

Today’s busy lifestyle is also increasing this problem. Dr. Garima says that many parents give mobile or tablet to their children to keep them calm or to do their own work. Gradually children get used to it. The situation reaches such a level that many children do not even eat food without looking at their mobile phones. This habit can take a very serious form in future. On one hand, children are not interested in studies, on the other hand, it also has a negative impact on their academic career. He told that many such cases are being reported in the hospital every day, in which children ranging from 1 year to 6 years are involved. Exposure to screens at such an early age is a threat to the overall development of children.

How to save children?

Dr. Garima Kandpal says that the biggest and most effective solution to this problem is the awareness of the parents. Instead of giving mobile phones to children, they should be associated with toys, books and creative activities. Parents should spend time with children, take them out to the park, for a walk or for sports. He clearly said that children up to 6 years of age should be kept completely away from mobile phones. Only extra care, love and guidance of children in the right direction can lay the foundation for their better and secure future.