In the modern era, smartphones and laptops have become an indispensable part of daily existence. From academic pursuits to professional duties and entertainment, digital screens are utilized everywhere around the clock. However, excessive usage beyond necessity and the habit of constantly consuming various types of content on mobile phones are now casting a shadow on the behavior of children and youth. Spending prolonged hours in front of screens is altering their daily routines and directly damaging their mental well-being. Addressing this growing concern, Dr. Tarun Pal, a professor in the psychology department of the medical college, has shared vital insights on the matter.
Rapid shifts in children behaviour
Dr. Tarun Pal noted that a large volume of patients dealing with psychological distress are visiting medical facilities, with a noticeable surge in the number of children and adolescents among them. Particularly among young kids, behavioral modifications are becoming visible at an accelerated pace compared to past years. The escalating proliferation of modern technology and widespread mobile usage are identified as the primary catalysts behind this disturbing trend.
Parental supervision and modern challenges
He explained that numerous guardians are bringing their children for medical consultation and advice after observing drastic personality shifts. According to him, parents often struggle to maintain adequate oversight of their kids' daily habits. Once school homework is completed, children frequently choose to spend extensive hours on mobile devices rather than stepping outside to play or engaging with family members. Gradually, they develop a psychological dependency on the digital realm presented through these screens.
The importance of familial engagement
According to Dr. Tarun Pal, parents must recognize their core responsibilities and dedicate more time to their children. Engaging in meaningful conversations and understanding young minds helps them comprehend the true value of family and society. Simply handing over a smartphone to keep a child occupied or quiet is never an appropriate parenting strategy.
Promoting sports and physical activity
He stressed that children should be actively encouraged to participate in outdoor games and sports, which are vital components for healthy cognitive development. If children's screen exposure is curtailed and replaced with physical activities and family bonding, the adverse behavioral shifts can be progressively corrected.
Nutritional habits requiring attention
Dr. Tarun Pal pointed out that dietary habits among children are also undergoing concerning transformations. Many kids fail to pay adequate attention to their daily meals and nutrition, leaving parents deeply worried. Consequently, parents must actively monitor their children's nutritional intake alongside spending quality time with them.
The dangerous obsession with viral content
He highlighted that the influence of social media and virtual platforms is clearly visible in the changing lifestyles, hairstyles, and dietary preferences of the youth. In a desperate bid to gain instant fame and go viral, many youngsters resort to creating hazardous or risky video content. Such dangerous stunts frequently put their lives in direct peril.
Curbing mobile habits from early childhood
Dr. Tarun Pal concluded that an early introduction and unchecked exposure to continuous online content can severely impair a child's thought process and long-term behavior. Therefore, instilling disciplined usage habits from an early age is crucial. He emphasized that parents residing in nuclear families need to be especially vigilant, ensuring they allocate adequate time for communication, play, and family interaction so children do not remain confined strictly to a digital existence.
