Childhood is a crucial phase of one’s development and should not be ruined by overuse of cellphones
LAHORE: In the past, I have always seen funny videos of kids playing with their parents, but now I see videos of kids crying because one of their parents took the smartphone from their hands. Technology is taking over books and toys, and most importantly the childhood of our children. Parents too use phones for the time they are supposed to spend with their kids.
Childhood is a crucial phase of one’s development and should not be ruined by overuse of cellphones. Virtual activities and online games have taken over outdoor activities and games, hence resulting in health issues like obesity, weak eyesight and short attention span.
Younger ones are not using their time productively and in striving for something meaningful, all they do is use smartphones for hours purposelessly, which is not making them smarter or adding to their knowledge. Further, excessive use of mobile phones has been proven for making one more stressed while also causing poor sleep.
As a teenager myself, I don’t recommend that toddlers or kids should have phones in their hands. Instead, parents should let them engage in productive activities.
Shifa Qasim
Published in The Express Tribune, November 21st, 2018.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
