Parents should also restrict their use of phones when they are around children
RAWALPINDI: A mobile phone is a double-edged sword. The technological prowess of the smartphone is tremendous and it is quite the learning tool for children as well. But due to its excessive use the most vulnerable victims are growing children. They are at high risk of developing nonmalignant tumours in the eye, ear and brain in which neurodegenerative disorder and DNA damage due to electromagnetic radiations emitted from these gadgets is the root cause. Mobile phones have been classified by the World Health Organisation as a “possible carcinogen.”
Many children carry phones to their schools and remain busy in chatting with friends or playing games during class which results in lack of concentration towards studies and bad academic performance. Continuous use of mobile results in lack of physical activity which puts younger generation at risk of obesity and other illnesses. Kids could come across inappropriate messages, images or texts shared by their friends. Even exchanging images of their own, irresponsibly, can create a fiasco that impacts their lives for a long time. Children on social media may come in contact with cyber bullies who harass and bully them over the internet. Social media may also induce depression and anxiety when the kids are not given the online attention they expect.
To prevent these harmful effects one should avoid being online as much as possible so that we won’t be fascinated enough. It should be a utility rather than a dependency. Parents should also restrict their use of phones when they are around children. Regardless of the age, avoid the presence of mobile phones in the proximity of human bodies. Keep them away from your pillows and beds while sleeping. When on call use wired headset. It is crucial for everyone to understand that phones can be damaging too if used too much.
Faizan Ahmad Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, December 28th, 2019.
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