Now parents give mobile phones to their children at an early age. After Covid, children’s education is also being done on phone. For some, it has become an essential part of entertainment, but now this phone is not proving beneficial but is proving fatal for children. According to recent studies and warnings from doctors, one out of every three children has become a victim of mobile phone addiction. Continuous viewing of screens is not only affecting the eyes and sleep of children, but is also causing harm to everything from mental illnesses to heart health. The increasing addiction of phones among children is proving fatal for them in many ways.
Dr. Lokesh Shekhawat in the Department of Mental Disease at RML Hospital. It is said that once such a case came to him in which a child told his mother that if he did not get the mobile, he would commit suicide. When the parents came to me with this problem, I did not ask the child to get the mobile immediately. Slowly explained to him, gave him medicines, then his addiction was cured. A child who is addicted to mobile games to such an extent that he is ready to do anything for the mobile, must take such children to a psychiatrist. Do not force them, it can also be dangerous.
Doctor Lokesh said, parents should keep an eye on what their children watch on mobile. Also observe the child’s expressions carefully. If you notice any change in the child’s behaviour, if he becomes irritable or violent, then consult a doctor. That’s why social media is banned for children in many countries, screen time has been fixed in many countries.
Risk of high BP and cholesterol due to excessive screen time
A study conducted in Denmark with the help of the American Heart Association has shown that excessive screen time in children is causing serious harm to their heart and metabolic health. The study revealed that the more time they spent on screens, the risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol and insulin resistance increased.
A study published in the ‘Journal of American Association’ has increased the concern of health experts. The study found that from the age of 11, one in every three children is becoming a victim of increasing addiction to social media or mobile phones. Children with excessive screen use were found to have 2.14 times the risk of suicide-related outcomes compared to those with low screen use. Be it social media, mobile gaming or other screen-based activities, excessive use of all appears to be linked to suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Obesity problem is increasing
Similarly, according to a research published in a magazine named Environmental Journal of Health, the risk of obesity in children up to 10 years of age who eat while watching TV and mobile increases manifold and they become victims of obesity, which can give rise to many diseases.
WHO has also given warning
The World Health Organization has also warned to keep children away from screens. Excessive screen time of these children directly affects the physical and mental health. In this report, WHO has considered children’s addiction to mobile, TV or other electronic gadgets as a disease.