Updated on July 5, 2024
One of the most anxiety-producing issues of 21st-century life is Smartphone addiction. Small kids are addicted to using smartphones for playing video games and other entertainment. Abnormal usage of screen time will affect their health and brain development. Many parents don’t realise the fact that this is more dangerous than drug addiction.
Is Smart Phone Addiction Really Dangerous Than Drug Addiction?
The debate over whether smartphone addiction is more dangerous than drug addiction is a complex and contentious one. While both forms of addiction can have severe consequences, they affect individuals differently and may not be directly comparable in terms of physical harm or societal impact. Smartphone addiction can lead to issues such as social isolation, decreased productivity, and mental health struggles, while drug addiction often involves physical dependence and life-threatening health risks. Rather than ranking them in terms of danger, it’s crucial to recognize that both warrant attention and support, as they can profoundly impact individuals’ lives and well-being.
Emerging Mobile Technology
One platform that really emerged in the past recent years is mobile technology. Day by day technology in this field is improving. Mobile manufacturers fill up the market with the latest and most advanced technology on smartphones and tablets.
With the improvement in technology software developers are developing advanced apps and entertainment games. In the past, an ordinary mobile was a dream for the common man. But today, smartphones have become an important and affordable thing even for low-income people.
Why Smart devices are popular?
The market for smartphones and tablets became very big in a matter of years. What is the reason behind this boost in the smart device market? Smartphones and tablets are easy to carry anywhere. Smart smartphones and tablets can function, work and also provide convenience more than desktop computers.
Technology improvement is good and meant for the benefit of humans. Unfortunately, some people are misusing and also addicted to technology. That is the real problem.
Why Smartphone Addiction Is Dangerous Than Drug Addiction?
World Health Organization Guidelines
Recently, The World Health Organization issued strict new guidelines on the usage and risks of smartphone addiction among kids. According to WHO, is never for children in their first year of life and rarely in their second. Those aged 2 to 4, should spend no more than an hour a day in front of a screen. Kids should be allowed to watch only knowledge-sharing videos and that also should be in the presence of the parents.
Dr. Fran Walfish, a Los Angeles-based child and family psychotherapist says, “We have a lot of 2-year-olds using tablets now, and I see 3- and 4-year-olds that are already addicted,” “It’s mind-blowing and a little scary.”
Are the above guidelines practical today?
What is your opinion? Are the above guidelines practical? You may say ‘NO’. Because today many of us are addicted to smartphones and age is not a barrier to this.
Everywhere we look, it’s evident that smartphones have become an integral part of people’s lives. Whether it’s during a train or bus ride, a leisurely walk on a bustling street, or even while driving, it’s hard to miss individuals engrossed in their mobile devices. Shockingly, some individuals behind the wheel of both four-wheeled and two-wheeled vehicles opt to use just one hand for steering, with the other hand firmly gripped on their phones, engaged in conversations oblivious to the risks involved.
Driving while using a mobile phone leads to slow movement of the vehicle, resulting in traffic congestion. This behaviour increases the risk of losing control and causing accidents when other vehicles overtake or unexpectedly enter from side roads or in the opposite direction. Surprisingly, these individuals seem unfazed by these potential issues.
WHO considers video game addiction as a disorder
In July 2018, The World Health Organization (WHO) included a section in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) about “Gaming Disorder.” What is this section focused on? This section focuses on disorders caused by the excessive playing of video games (addictive nature) regardless of system or platform.
We all are aware of the fact that due to the emergence of technology, the demand and popularity of mobile video gaming in the past recent years and up to this day have increased a lot. This is the reason for The World Health Organization considers video game addiction as a disorder.
Some parents view smartphones as a helpful tool to keep their children under 3 years old quiet and occupied while they attend to household tasks. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential negative effects on the mental and physical health of young children. Excessive screen time, especially for very young children, can have adverse effects on their development, including delayed language and social skills, disrupted sleep patterns, and reduced physical activity.
Regarding adults and video game addiction, it’s true that video game addiction is not limited to children. Many adults also struggle with this issue. Excessive gaming can lead to a range of negative consequences, including decreased productivity, neglect of responsibilities, and strained relationships.
It’s essential for both parents and adults to strike a balance between screen time and other activities that promote physical, mental, and social well-being. This includes setting limits on screen time, encouraging outdoor play and physical activity, and fostering a love for creative and knowledge-enhancing pursuits. Awareness of the potential negative effects of excessive screen time is a crucial first step toward making more informed choices about technology use.
Parents Should Be Careful
This Is Dangerous Than Drug Addiction – Gopinath Muthukad
The renowned magician and motivational speaker, Gopinath Muthukad, delivered this video presentation in the Malayalam language. Recognizing that many viewers may not comprehend the speech, I’ve transcribed its contents in this post. In fact, this YouTube video served as the inspiration for me to write a brief article on the subject.
Kids’ smartphone addiction effects
Certain parents resort to giving mobile phones to their young children as a means to engage and distract them, often while trying to feed them or keep them settled during daily tasks.
Many parents of toddlers are concerned about their children’s weight, which can lead them to adopt such counterproductive strategies. However, it’s crucial for parents to understand that merely increasing a child’s food intake won’t necessarily promote their health. Instead, it’s essential to provide a balanced diet rich in vitamins and proteins to support a child’s growth and well-being.
Here are 5 Foods To Increase Weight In Toddlers.
Numerous parents resort to handing smartphones to toddlers as a way to pacify toddler tantrums. Unfortunately, some may not fully grasp the potential risks and negative consequences associated with this practice, which can pose dangers to their children’s well-being.
However, it’s essential to strike a balance in parenting. Overparenting, or excessive control and intervention, can have detrimental effects on a child’s future development and independence. It’s crucial to find a middle ground that ensures children’s safety and encourages their healthy growth and self-reliance.
Free mobile games
The abundance of free-to-play games on the mobile platform is a significant factor that attracts children to play games on smartphones. It’s a common occurrence when visiting friends or relatives that kids request a smartphone and explore new games. Once their interest is piqued, this can turn into a repetitive habit, akin to other addictions in terms of its impact on the brain.
Parents should Avoid Teaching Children Bad Lessons
Allowing children to indulge excessively in smartphone games can lead to a range of issues, including digital eye strain, missed opportunities for developing talents and skills, as well as various mental and physical health concerns. The potential harm caused to children in such cases can indeed be more insidious than drug addiction, making it a significant concern for parents to address.
When dealing with teenagers, it’s important for parents to recognize that this is a sensitive stage of development. Reacting with anger and punishment may not always be the most effective approach and can sometimes exacerbate problems rather than solve them. A more empathetic and open communication style can be crucial in helping teenagers navigate the challenges they face during this phase of their lives.
Parents should learn how to deal with teenage addictions.
How Can Help Kids?
4 Proven Tips To Reduce Your Child’s Smartphone Addiction
As a parent, what can you do to get rid of smartphone addiction in your children?
Vidya, a psychologist and a learning and development specialist explains about 4 proven tips to reduce your child’s smartphone addiction. She names it BATS.
What is BATS?
- B – Boredom
- A – Alternatives
- T – Time
- S – Support and surroundings
Watch the video and learn the simple ways from her talk.
Read Awesome Tips To Become A Better Parent
How to Protect Kids from Smartphone Addiction?
How does technology stimulate and affect the brain in possible negative ways? How parents can help protect children from too much screen time?
Answers to the above and other related matters are explained in this video of The Doctors, an Emmy award-winning daytime talk show.
Today, some parents find joy in witnessing their young children engage with smartphones, viewing it as a testament to their children’s cleverness as they explore songs, videos, and games on these devices.
The happiness stems from the fact that many parents themselves only adopted smartphones a few years ago, and some are still not entirely familiar with all the features and capabilities of these devices. Consequently, when they observe their young children comfortably navigating smartphones, it brings them a sense of pride and amazement.
Conclusion
It’s indeed important for parents to consider the guidelines set by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) when it comes to their children’s smartphone usage. Implementing these guidelines can help safeguard children from smartphone addiction and its potential negative effects.
Parents should be cautious about giving smartphones to very young children and should exercise parental controls to regulate both screen time and the content accessed. Recognizing that smartphone addiction can have severe consequences, including adverse impacts on a child’s development and well-being, is a crucial step toward making informed decisions about technology use in the family. Prioritizing a balanced and healthy lifestyle for children, both in terms of physical and mental well-being, is paramount.
Think and act from today. Save your kids.
Recommended articles for your reading
- How To Touch The Heart Of Your Children
- Teach Your Kids Kindness Can Make A Better World
- Self-Protection – Teach Kids To Handle The Situation
- Child Trafficking | Spread Awareness To Stop
Please share the post on your social media and other networks. Help others to save their kids from this dangerous problem.
Are you aware that smartphone addiction is more dangerous than drug addiction?
What is your opinion about the long-term effects on mental and physical health?
What are your thoughts on young children using so much technology?
Let me know in the comments below!
Mathukutty P. V. is the founder of Simply Life Tips, a blogger, content writer, influencer, and YouTuber passionate about learning and sharing. Guided by “Simple Living, Creative Thinking,” he believes in the power of knowledge sharing and lifelong learning.
