Smartphone and mental health

While a smartphone, tablet, or computer can be an immensely productive tool, obsessive use of these devices can interfere with your mental and physical health. When you spend more time on social media or playing games than you do not intermingle with real people, it may be time to reconsider your technology use. Smartphone addiction, informally known as “nomophobia” (fear of being without a mobile phone), is often drove by an Internet overuse problem or Internet addiction disorder. After all, it's rarely the phone or tablet itself that creates the compulsion, but rather the games, apps, and online world it connects us. Having a mobile device at hand can also end up in insomnia in children. They'll feel tempted to check it at night. They won't be able to sleep properly because of its vibrations and beeps. This can cause sleep deprivation, which can lead to serious mental health problems in children less than 19 years of age.

A healthy spine is one of the key factors of well-being during growing age. When our kids are slouching over a cell phone for most hours daily, they ruin their neck and back muscles. So, no wonder they feel the nagging pain in these parts. But wait, there’s more. Pain, strain and aching neck muscles can cause a severe headache to make things worse. So eventually, they’ll feel like a wreck. To keep our children healthy, it’s time to decide, that we should not allow our kids to overuse cell phones and other wireless devices.

How does a smartphone disturb a child's brain?

Introductory statistics from an Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study found that increased screen time, including time spent on cell phones, is not just bad for the brain but can affect a child's psychology, thinking patterns, sleep cycles, and behavior, shortening their attention span and potentially.

How does a cell phone affect a child’s eyesight?

Misuse of mobile devices by young children can cause myopia (short-sightedness). Dr. Tay Su Ann, Consultant from the Paediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus Department at Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), offers tips. can deteriorate due to continuous, prolonged staring at mobile and computer screens.

Do cell phone causes behavioural issues?

Children who devote lots of time using smartphones and other digital devices are prone to psychiatric problems, according to a team of USC scientists. The study appears today in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Benefits of adequate usage of Smartphone

• The brain will perform better.

• The child will have a productive day.

• Will get improved at making decisions.

• It will upsurge efficiency.

• The child will learn the difference between an emergency and an "emergency."

• Sound sleep will lead to healthier mornings.

Bottom Line

The internet is an abode of knowledge for children. Though the utility of smartphones is today's necessity, still continuous use and exposure can have harmful effects on the child. Use the available resource appropriately for effective results.