Almost all research studies showed digital use impacts the wellbeing of children mainly depending on duration, content and context. More than two-three hours per day digital use; anti-social, immoral, violent or vulgar content and using social networking sites to boost self-image can eventually backfire.
“Where is Ashutosh?” As I asked my cousin Rita at the marriage reception party, she pointed to the corner of the party hall. As I approached the corner table, Ashutosh hardly noticed my presence. “How are you my boy?” I asked. He gave a casual response even without looking at me: “I am fine, aunty.” He was again busy playing his favorite game on the mobile.
“It is not a good idea to make a four-month-old kid habituated to watching video songs while feeding.” I cautioned my neighbor Dikshya. But she does not eat fast without watching video rhymes. “This online jingle makes it so easy to feed her,” she said with a smile. These two incidents are just examples of how children are living and how we are upbringing them in the digital age we live in.
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As we all as parents, caretakers and teachers are all worried about the use of digital gadgets like smart phones, computers and laptops, let us discuss different research studies across the world about digital effects on physical, psychological and social impact on childhood. Many researchers across European countries found increased incidence of low mood, hyperactivity, poor concentration while doing homework, aggressive behaviors - especially among boys playing violent games like PUBG -, and poor self-esteem and negative self image, mainly among girls, who are very active on social media.
The physical effect of digital gadgets was shown to have increased weight due to high intake of junk food and overeating coupled with lack of physical activities. Similarly, a few kids reported disturbed sleep and total lack of sleep (insomnia) especially among those using gadgets just before bedtime. Similarly, neglect of personal hygiene and lack of tidiness was another major concern which led to different physical ailments.
Many research studies, however, showed that social networking sites help to form strong bonds between friends, expand social circle and make one feel connected. This was most evident during the COVID-19 lockdown where online connection was only meant for sharing and caring. The introverted kids gain more benefit by sharing their feelings online with friends who may not be comfortable in face to face conversation. Forming close friendship bonds, meeting new friends and having connections with friends, who have left school or country for various reasons help to keep friendships alive. However, cyber bullying, verbal and sexual abusive talks and low self image /self-esteem via social networking sites may pose serious effects on children’s psychology.
In terms of academics, online learning platforms, informative videos on science and technology, geography or history helps to boost up the academic part as well as help broaden the outlook and vision of children. However, playing video games excessively and scrolling social networking sites invariably would affect their studies.
Almost all research studies showed digital use impacts the wellbeing of children mainly depending on duration, content and context. More than two-three hours per day digital use; anti-social, immoral, violent or vulgar content and using social networking sites to boost self-image can eventually backfire. For children less than 18 years, parental guidance is a must. It is equally important to remain vigilant on such issues of children. Since we cannot and should not totally eliminate digital use by our children, holding discussions with them in an open and friendly manner not to watch content that might harm their emotional and mental health and persuading them to focus on studies by balanced use of digital gadgets would go a long way.
In addition to parents, teachers, school managements and the government should also join hands to address the issues of digital use. Since students often listen to their teachers more than their parents, teachers should counsel students about how to balance academic and digital life. If some students show abnormal, violent behavior, sleep during class, show hyperactivity and impulsiveness or his/her studies suddenly gets deteriorated then parents should be informed immediately. Similarly, school management should hire counselors if some students are very much hooked up to digital gadgets. Schools should have physical activities like sports and other creative activities like dance classes, music classes and art classes.
The government also should make strict cyber laws to address cyber crimes and should implement them. With the joint effort of all the bodies concerned, the digital world can be made safer and productive for children. As for the examples above; Ashutosh was counseled about the importance of socialization in our life and how to use digital gadgets in a balanced way for our wellbeing. He was convinced and he promised to give importance to social interaction at such family functions.
Similarly, Dikshya after counseling was finally ready to sing a lullaby in her own voice while feeding Anaya. In addition to helping to negate the harmful effect of digital gadgets on such young children, this also helped to foster a strong mother-child bond. Next day, I could hear Dikshya’s sweet lullaby while feeding Anaya. Our little Anaya must have been happy to hear her mom’s sweet lullaby while she was fed.
