Beyond the Screen: Mobile Phones’ Impact on Kids

I recently observed a father trying to connect with his two young children in a hospital waiting area. Both children were deeply engrossed in their mobile devices, barely glancing up as their father tried to engage them in conversation. A little while later, their father brought out a pack of fried rice and chicken to share with his kids, they kept their eyes on their devices while the father manoeuvred spoonfuls of rice into their mouths. This scene, common in today's digital age, raises an important question: What is the impact of mobile phone usage on our children's development? While these devices can offer educational apps and games, excessive use may lead to unintended negative consequences. In this blog post, we'll explore these potential dangers and offer some tips on how to manage your child's screen time effectively.

Children using mobile devices.

Disadvantages

1. Impaired Cognitive Development: Children's brains are rapidly developing, and excessive screen time can hinder this process. A recent study has shown that increased screen time may lead to communication and problem-solving developmental delays in children below the age of 5 years (Takahashi et al., 2023). Other studies have also shown that prolonged exposure to screens can impact a child's ability to focus, learn, and retain information (Swider-Cios et al., 2023). The fast-paced, interactive nature of mobile phones can overstimulate young brains, making it harder for children to concentrate on tasks that require sustained attention, such as reading or homework.

   
   

2. Exposure to Inappropriate Content: The internet is a vast resource, but not all content is suitable for young children. Without proper supervision, children can be exposed to inappropriate or harmful content, including violence, explicit material, and cyberbullying. Using parental controls and monitoring your child's online activity can help mitigate these risks.

   
   

3. Physical Health Problems: Mobile phones emit blue light, which can interfere with the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. For children, this can be particularly disruptive. Poor sleep can affect their mood, behaviour, and overall health. Ensuring that mobile phones are not used at least an hour before bedtime can help promote better sleep hygiene (G et al., 2024). 

   Staring at screens for long periods can cause eye strain, dryness, and discomfort. This condition, known as digital eye strain, can lead to more severe vision problems over time. Encouraging regular breaks and ensuring that screen time is balanced with other activities can help protect your child's vision.

   
   

4. Reduced Physical Activity: Children need regular physical activity for healthy growth and development. However, when they spend too much time on mobile phones, they are likely to be less active. This sedentary behaviour can contribute to obesity, poor posture, and related health issues. Encouraging outdoor play and limiting screen time can help ensure that children get the exercise they need.

   
   

5. Social Skills Deficit: Interacting with mobile phones can reduce the time children spend engaging in face-to-face interactions. This can hinder the development of essential social skills, such as empathy, communication, and teamwork (Gordon-Hacker & Gueron-Sela, 2020). Real-life interactions are crucial for children to learn how to navigate social situations and build meaningful relationships.

   
   

6. Behavioural Issues: Excessive mobile phone use has been linked to behavioural problems in children, such as increased aggression, anxiety, and attention disorders. The instant gratification provided by mobile phones can make it challenging for children to develop patience and self-regulation (Brauchli et al., 2024). Setting clear boundaries and promoting other activities can help balance their screen time

Tips for Managing Mobile Phone Usage

1. Set Clear Boundaries: Establish and enforce rules about when and how long your child can use mobile phones. Consistency is key.

   
   

2. Create Tech-Free Zones: Designate areas of your home, such as the dining room and bedrooms, as tech-free zones to encourage family interactions and better sleep habits.

   
   

3. Encourage Other Activities: Promote a variety of activities, including reading, outdoor play, and hobbies that do not involve screens. (Sugiyama et al., 2023)

   
   

4. Lead by Example: Model healthy mobile phone habits yourself. You can promote healthier habits like reading if your child sees you reading instead of doomscrolling. Children are more likely to follow guidelines if their parents do the same. 

   
   

5. Use Parental Controls: Utilise the parental control features available on most devices to restrict access to inappropriate content and monitor your child's screen time.

   
   

6. Educate About Online Safety: Teach your child about the importance of online safety and how to navigate the internet responsibly.

Mobile phones are powerful tools that can enhance our lives, but they require mindful use, especially for our children. By setting thoughtful boundaries, encouraging a variety of activities, and modelling balanced behaviour, you can help your child enjoy the benefits of technology without falling prey to its pitfalls. Remember, the goal is to guide your child toward a healthy relationship with their devices, fostering growth and development in both the digital and real worlds. By being proactive and involved in your child's mobile phone usage, you can help them enjoy the benefits of technology while minimising the risks.

References

• Brauchli, V., Edelsbrunner, P., Paz Castro, R., Barr, R., von Wyl, A., Lannen, P., & Sticca, F. (2024). Screen time vs. scream time: Developmental interrelations between young children's screen time, negative affect, and effortful control. Computers in Human Behavior, 154, 108138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2024.108138

• G, C. S., V, H., Tumati, K. R., & Ramisetty, U. M. (2024). The Impact of Screen Time on Sleep Patterns in School-Aged Children: A Cross-Sectional Analysis. Cureus, 16(2), e55229. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.55229

• Gordon-Hacker, A., & Gueron-Sela, N. (2020). Maternal use of media to regulate child distress: A double-edged sword? Longitudinal links to toddlers' negative emotionality. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 23(6), 400-405. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2019.0586

• Priftis, N., & Panagiotakos, D. (2023). Screen time and its health consequences in children and adolescents. Children, 10(10), 1665. https://doi.org/10.3390/children10101665

• Sugiyama, M., Tsuchiya, K. J., Okubo, Y., Mori, N., Takagai, S., Minami, T., Asano, R., Matsumoto, K., Iwata, T., & Ohno, K. (2023). Outdoor play as a mitigating factor in the association between higher screen time for young children and neurodevelopmental outcomes. JAMA Pediatrics, 177(3), 303-310. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.5356

• Swider-Cios, E., Vermeij, A., & Sitskoorn, M. M. (2023). Young children and screen-based media: The impact on cognitive and socioemotional development and the importance of parental mediation. Cognitive Development, 66, 101319. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogdev.2023.101319

• Takahashi, I., Obara, T., Ishikuro, M., Sakurai, M., Kagami, K., Nishimura, S., ... & Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group. (2023). Screen time at age 1 year and communication and problem-solving developmental delay at 2 and 4 years. JAMA Pediatrics, 177(10), 1039–1046. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.3057