Harmful effects of phone on kids in modern age of technology

Pranav

Aug 16, 2024

In today’s digital world, a smartphone has likely become as common a thing for a young child as a toy. These devices are vital in the modern age to keep connected and informed. However the risks attached to some of them are quite considerable, especially when it comes to a very young child. For children in preschool we at Hi Kalpaa have found that it is very harmful to use a phone. This blog discusses how bad phones are for young children and gives ideas to keep a good balance for kids.

Effects on Physical Health

Vision
In today’s digital world, a smartphone has likely become as common a thing for a young child as a toy. These devices are vital in the modern age to keep connected and informed. However the risks attached to some of them are quite considerable, especially when it comes to a very young child. For children in preschool we at Hi Kalpaa have found that it is very harmful to use a phone. This blog discusses how bad phones are for young children and gives ideas to keep a good balance for kids.
Poor Posture
In today’s digital world, a smartphone has likely become as common a thing for a young child as a toy. These devices are vital in the modern age to keep connected and informed. However the risks attached to some of them are quite considerable, especially when it comes to a very young child. For children in preschool we at Hi Kalpaa have found that it is very harmful to use a phone. This blog discusses how bad phones are for young children and gives ideas to keep a good balance for kids.

Effects on Cognitive Development

Timely decrease in Language Skills
Language development is crucial during this period of life. It has already been proven that time spent on screens is directly proportional to language development. The excessive dependence on phones has hampered the communication development of kids. The best way to remedy this would be to have interactive sessions with adults, peers and language development through conversation and not just watching the phone screen.
Shortened Attention Spans
Phones and other electronic devices can also affect attention span. Most children’s constant screen time with apps at an early age can make it hard for them to focus and engage in other activities. Most of the apps, movies and games are fast paced and so children cannot comprehend activities that require stop-and-go or are slower paced like story reading or puzzle solving etc.

Emotional and Social Effects

Weakening Social Skills
Social skills develop in children through experience and interactions with others around them. Preschoolers, when spending too much time on phones, might go lacking in social experiences. They learn to share, cooperate and resolve conflicts through playdates, group activities and family interactions. Excessive use of phones will deprive the child of gaining these social experiences which might lead to failure in developing actual good relationships.
Increased Tendency to Develop Anxiety and Depression
Preliminary research shows that too much screen time increases anxious and depressive feelings among children. Bombarding one’s brain continuously via screens, especially by social media affects the mood and self-identity of children. This vulnerability is even more potent when it comes to preschoolers as they are at an age where they are still in their early stages of gaining control over their emotions.

Impairs Quality of Sleep

The Effects It Has On Their Sleep Patterns

Phones release blue light which can interfere with melatonin production–the hormone responsible for controlling sleep. In preschoolers who need their beauty sleep for proper growth and development, using a phone after sleep time can result in inadequate quality of sleep. A structured bedtime routine should be created among the family members, and phones should not be allowed into the bedroom when sleeping.

TIPS for dafe phone use

Enforce Clear Limits
Set the limits on phone usage. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises families to limit screen use for children aged 2 to 5 years to a mere 1 hour of “high quality programming” each day. Develop a media plan that specifies when and where cell phones will be used. Adhere strictly to the limits the media plan sets.
Encourage Active, Physical Play
Replace phone time with time for active play. Let your child engage in activities that allow for physical movement, creativity and social interaction. Outdoor play, block-building and reading books together all give more developmental benefits.
Model Behaviour
Children tend to mimic their parents, so set a healthy phone habit example for the child. Limit your time with the screen, and with everything else find a balance. Show them the value of face-to-face communication.
Use Educational Apps Wisely
If you choose to use educational apps for the kids, select ones that are age-appropriate and interactive. Look for apps promoting problem-solving and creative expression as opposed to passive looking and listening. Be sure to balance the use of these apps with lots of active engagement with a caregiver.

Have your child interact more with family and friends through offline media. Set up playdates, family events or group projects to invest time in developing social/emotional competencies. All these points together are crucial in developing strong interpersonal skills and other kinds of emotional intelligence.

We at Hi Kalpaa believe that while phones and other digital gadgets are part of modern life, how they affect children is something to be concerned about. The probable impacts on physical health, cognitive growth, emotional health and quality of sleep highlight the need for time management regarding the child’s time in front of the screen. Parents can set proper boundaries, model well and keep offline relationships for ensuring that their kids are developing well in a healthy way. Remember the goal is not to eliminate phone usage altogether but to integrate it thoughtfully into their lives so it provides a well-rounded and enriching childhood experience.