Children all over the world use smartphones for their different needs. Some children talk to their friends for long hours while some play games or watch videos for a long time. The Internet is a treasure trove of knowledge for children. While the usefulness of smartphones cannot be debated, frequent use and exposure to screens can have harmful effects on a child.
Harmful Effects of Smartphones or Cellphones on Children-
Mobile phones can be an easy way to distract kids or keep them busy. However, it also has some disadvantages of its own. Some of the negative effects of regular use of mobile phones include:
1. Tumor-
For a long time, research has been done to understand the effects of cell phone radiation on children. Since children are at a stage where their bodies are changing and growing, the effect of the rays on them may be different from that of adults.
Children who use phones for extended periods of time, keep them close to their ears, are particularly likely to develop non-malignant tumors in the areas of the ear and brain. Children's bones, tissues or many organs such as the brain etc. have a very thin protective layer. Therefore, these organs absorb more than 60% of the radiation that comes from mobile phones. Radiation can have different effects on the human body, sometimes it directly affects the nervous system. It is classified as a "probable carcinogen" by the World Health Organization and is known to cause a possible increased risk of cancer.
2. Disturbances in brain activity-
Mobile phones primarily operate on electromagnetic waves for all forms of communication, even for internal communication. The brain has its own electric impulse and communication takes place in neural networks. In children, waves from phones can easily penetrate the internal parts of the brain, as they do not have a strong shield.
Research has shown that just by talking on the phone for 2 minutes, the electrical activity inside a child's brain can be changed. This erratic activity can cause changes in mood patterns and behavioral tendencies, and children may have trouble learning new things or concentrating properly.
3. Disturbances of Educational Functionality-
Many children take phones with them to their schools as well. Chatting or playing games with friends during school break or even in class is increasing day by day. This makes it difficult for children to pay attention in class, difficult to memorize important lessons and as a result children do not have proper knowledge about studies and exams.
4. Academic Ab-use-
Smartphones not only distract children from studies but can also be used in wrong ways to score well in exams. Using the inbuilt calculator in exams where it's not allowed, storing photos or reference information to cheat in exams, or exchanging answers with other students on chat during exams, has been widely seen in various schools Is. Such behavior not only affects education, but it also affects personality.
5. Inappropriate media-
Like any other device, mobile phone can also be used for wrong purposes. Children see inappropriate messages, pictures or text shared by their friends or groups and can forward it to others. They may find their way to por-nography at an early age, which can change their perceptions and thought processes. Even sending and accepting your own photos, irresponsibly, can create an environment that affects their lives in the long run.
6. Sleep disturbance-
Children may stay awake for long periods of time talking to friends, playing games or browsing through social media, which over time causes fatigue and restlessness. Sleep also interferes with studies, as children get too sleepy while concentrating on the things that are taught in school. This has far-reaching effects that spread to the later stages of their lives.
7. Medical problems-
Children who are glued to their mobile phones in their spare time neither do any physical activity nor get fresh air. This puts them at risk of obesity and other diseases, which can later develop into harmful diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
8. Mental Health-
Children on social media can be exposed to cyber bullies who harass and bully them on the internet. Children who are victims of cyberbullying admit it much later in life, when the mental damage has already been done. Social media can also be a cause of depression and anxiety when children are not given the attention they expect.
Mobile phone safety tips for kids
It is extremely important to ensure the right measures of mobile phone safety for growing children.
*Avoid giving cell phones to children under the age of 16. The bones of the skull of young children have not developed the necessary density and protective tissue, making them vulnerable to the effects of radiation.
* When your child talks on the phone, ask him to use a wired headset instead of holding the phone by ear.
* While travelling, avoid giving your child your mobile phone constantly. The metal armor of the vehicle blocks the signal, so the phone increases its power, which is harmful for children.
* Do not let your children use mobile phones in areas where the signal is weak. In such a situation, mobiles amplify their own radiation to get a good signal, which can be harmful to the baby.
* As an adult, it is important for parents and others in the household to restrict the use of mobile phones when children are around. This is not only to avoid radiation, but also to create a behavioral pattern.
* It is advised to take extra care if there is a mobile phone tower nearby or even near or above the child's school, as their radiation exposure is higher than normal.
* Completely ban your child to take the phone to school. Keep the school's contact number and give them your number in case of emergency.
* Keep your mobile phone with you safely and out of sight of your children at night. Children may try to use them without being told.
* Like every technology or device in the world, mobile phones also have their benefits and side effects. Smartphones are really a very powerful device in today's time and children get to learn a lot from it. But, maintaining a moderation with the use of things ensures the well being of the children and a good habit which will be useful to them later in life.
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