The ongoing pandemic due to SARS-CoV-2 has changed the life-pattern of people from all walks of life, especially the kids one. Academic life by this time has shifted from classroom to online platform. According to UNICEF, more than 1.5 billion children have been affected by school closures worldwide. Consequently, many of these students are joining classes online. University of Michigan researchers recently in a study have found that children getting stubborn overweight which affects the body mass index (BMA) when they use screen three hours a day. There are sufficient evidences from around the world to demonstrate that excessive use of screens resulted in blocking the neurological transmissions in the brain and affecting the physical development of these children.
A research recently carried out by JK Lon Hospital, India found, there has been a rapid increase in the average screen time from 2.25 hours per day before the pandemic to 8.30 hours per day as a result of online classes. It is nearly three-time increase in the daily average screen time use. The study has showed 45% of the children find it difficult to sleep immediately after going to bed. It has been reported by parents that these children were earlier used to sleeping immediately after going to bed. Nearly, 50% of the children did not feel sleepy even after 20 to 60 minutes in bed, while 17% woke up in the middle of their sleep, and on an average, takes around 20 to 30 minutes again to get back to sleep. The study shows that 65% of children are using mobile phones for online classes, while others used laptops and tablets. It is found up to 33% parents do not see any change in the level of interest in their children, whereas, 19% of the parents mention that these levels are worse than before. The study has found 65% children are addicted to their devices and about 6.3% of these children start waking up at night with nightmares, and stubbornness also increased to 32%. Instances of uncontrolled rage in children also have increased by 30%. The study also noted an increase in carelessness, lack of attention to household tasks, routine changes such as not cleaning teeth, not taking baths on time, etc. The present study has proved the same to be true in Bangladesh conditions as well.
In the current pandemic situation, our academic institutions have started online teaching through ZOOM and other apps to cope up with the challenging time. The teaching sessions continue for long hours with or without interval most of which are live classes. The secondary students aged from 11-15 years studying in class six to class ten are the most vulnerable group in the present context. The school authority advised the students to stay on track with their syllabus through the new online learning model at home. Thus, the students have been experiencing the new model of teaching- learning yielding huge negative impact on their body and mind. In Bangladesh situation, it is observed that the kids are staying before the laptop or mobile screen for 6-8 hour a day for the online classes. Moreover, they spend more 2/3 hours for watching TV programmes, YouTube videos, or playing video games for their so-called recreation and fun. It shows that the longtime online class may extremely harm kid’s body, mind and soul.
According to psychiatrists and academicians, online teaching for Kids is not much effective for longtime. It is quite stressful for school kids as it is a change from their normal life-style. As a researcher, I talked to some neighbours and relatives to share views on this. Most of the parents expressed that they were noticing behavioural changes in their kids such as excessive and unnecessary arguments, anger, dissatisfaction, refusal, opposition, or disobedience. Furthermore, during the online classes, the internet use in isolation by the school children have chance to navigate them from lesson to erotic video clips or pictures which may damage young learners mental health condition. UNICEF states that staying on virtual platforms for long time can leave children vulnerable to online sexual exploitation. It may expose children to potentially harmful and violent content as well as greater risk of cyber bullying.
Parents should be cooperative and understanding with their kids to cope up with this new learning style and new life-pattern. The electronic devices that the kids may use for the online classes should be setup in an easy excess place so that the parents can monitor their kid frequently. Parents should be friendly, patient and understanding to encourage them to express their Kid’s views on different current issues and try not to neglect their worries and concerns. Parents should observe their feelings and assure them with compassion.
In school, children are used to have a lot of direct social contact with their teachers and school mates, but in corona pandemic, they certainly feel the effects of remaining distanced or disconnected from them. So, parents should permit their kids to interact with their friends online including, phone, social media or text messaging. It is important to have some fun and open discussion with the children. Parents should see whether their kids are getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods and exercise because these are all important for good mental and physical health. Let us minimize the loss and reduce negative behavioural changes in the kids.
(Dr. Enamul is a research and teacher trainer. Email: [email protected])
