In recent years, parents, educators, and health professionals have expressed their concerns about the increase in smartphone usage among youngsters. There are several reasons why kids do so due to its addictive nature, and I vehemently believe that it apparently affects them adversely in terms of their physical and mental health.
To commence with, the ease of access to social networking sites, online games, and streaming services that keep kids entertained and engaged is one of the key causes of teenagers spending so much time on their cell phones. Elaborating on this, children find these platforms to be addicting because they enable them to interact with their friends, relatives, and classmates, and even exchange academic materials virtually. An instance of this was proven during the COVID-19 epidemic when citizens were obliged to adhere to the social segregation policies which made it challenging for kids to interact in person.
However, this movement entails several drawbacks. In addition to eye strain, back discomfort, and anxiety, excessive smartphone use can cause physical and mental health issues. Irregular sleeping patterns and a decrease in face-to-face social engagement are further risks of excessive smartphone usage. To cite an example of this, it is not uncommon to observe a plethora of young individuals diagnosed with certain illnesses that were only recorded in elderly citizens merely a decade ago.
In conclusion, it is the ease of access to the entertainment and communication facilities that digital devices offer that adds more to children’s screen time which may in turn have detrimental effects on their routine life.