Lt Col Nazmul Huda Khan :
Children have been hugely influenced by technological devices and means of communication like smartphones, tablets and social network since coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic occurred. More than two hundred countries had to close educational institutions for different terms. According to UNICEF, 160 million children couldn’t start their school life for this pandemic. In Bangladesh, four million children remain abstinent form school for last two years. The educational institutes had to run online curriculum to continue the sessions. Moreover, due to home confinement and other infection control measures, such as social distancing and closure of schools and shared public spaces; the children had to spend more time at home and with major use of technological devices. Though they had lower incidence and mortality rates of Covid-19; but they had relevant adverse psychological and behavioral effects, especially among school-age ones. Side effects of excessive use of smartphones in children led them to number of health hazards, e.g., behavioral problems, addiction, depression, sleep disturbances, obesity, delay in social development, attention and hearing issues and problems of the nervous system etc.
A study conducted at Dhaka and Chittagong found that, 67% of the school children have been addicted to mobile during Covid-19 pandemic. Compared to teens who only spend an hour on electronic devices daily, teens who spend five or more hours a day on electronic devices are 71% more likely to exhibit suicide risk factors. Almost 50% children found to develop headache and excessive watering of eye due to continuous usage of mobile. When leaving their phones at home, 50% of them feel uneasy and irritating. 66% of the children showed signs of nomophobia, the fear of being without your phone.
However, the internet is an abode of knowledge for children. Though the utility of smartphones can’t be debated, continued use and exposure can have harmful effects on them. Studies suggest a possible increased risk of tumors for those who use cellphones excessively. Human brain is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation. Since, mobile phones primarily function on electromagnetic waves for all forms of communication, it could possibly affect the brain.
Many children carry phones along with them to their schools. They use to chat with friends or play games during school breaks or even in the class. This results in children failing to pay attention in the class, missing out on important lessons. The devices become their tool of malpractices to score well in exams through using the inbuilt calculator, storing photographs or reference information to cheat or even exchanging answers with others have been widely observed in various schools. Such behavior not only affects academic performance but also results in a personality issue.
Children could come across inappropriate messages, images or texts shared by their friends or in the group and further pass it on to others. They can find their way to pornography at an early age, changing their perceptions and thought process. They are many a time found to stay up late talking to friends, playing games, or scrolling through social media, which over a period of time causes fatigue and restlessness, restrict them to take part in physical activity and put them at risk for obesity and other illnesses; which can later develop into harmful diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
Children on social media may come in contact with cyberbullies who harass and bully them over the internet. Many children who have been cyber-bullied may only admit their experience much later in life when the mental damage has already been done. Social media may also induce depression and anxiety when they are not given the online attention they expect.
In the present context, it is difficult task to keep our children away from devices. It may result in withdrawal symptoms including low appetite and temper tantrums. We have to take appropriate measures that may vary from situation to situation. Parents have pivotal role in these regards.
Most parents use mobile to distract children while feeding, dressing up and travelling. It should not be the only way to calm them down. It is the duty of parents to help their child identify and handle strong emotions, come up with activities to manage boredom and open communication to solve the problem.
Many parents leverage screen time to encourage children to study and do homework; but this could lead to more harm than good. We should ensure that our children finish their homework, studying and housework before they get on the mobile device. The best way to curb the unrestricted consumption of media is to prepare a formal family media plan. By introducing a schedule, parents can improve the habit of routine which prevents the child from spending more time on screen. Therefore, make them understand that he or she can use smartphone only for a limited time. We can motivate them for usage of the phone, no phones during meal time, no TV or phone before sleep etc.
It is important to take the time out for bonding activities with children. Playing games or engaging them in activities like household works will keep them away from smartphones. We should encourage them to pursue hobbies such as listening to music, playing an instrument, reading books or painting etc. We can spend our weekends doing fun family activities like swimming, playing games, watching movies or which one is feasible. Physical play stimulates the brain. Activities that involve physical movements allow children to use their energy and give them the chance to develop gross and fine motor skills, learn new things and socialize. It hugely benefits the physical and mental health of a child.
A smartphone is a double-edged sword in the world of advanced technology. The technological power of the smartphone is tremendous and it is quite a learning tool for children as well. In today’s digital era, keeping children away from a screen is a huge challenge for parents. But with some awareness and sincere efforts, parents can become alert and ensure all or most of the risks are prevented for our children.
(Lt Col Nazmul Huda Khan, MBBS, MPH, MPhil is a Public Health Specialist & Assistant Director, Kurmitola General Hospital).
