KARACHI:
The rise of technology has brought many benefits for everyone by improving connectivity and communication among people, but it has also increased challenges. Today, parents cannot prevent their children from using digital devices and the internet as it is necessary for their exposure and learning. However, they also need to protect their children from the harmful aspects of technology.
Many children spend a lot of their time playing games online, which often includes verbal and physical abuse. Exposure to aggressive behaviours at a young age can inculcate violent behaviour in children. Social media has also brought a new dimension to bullying. Often school children bully each other online by uploading pictures or hacking each other’s accounts. These social media fights often result in physical fights on school campuses. Coming-of-age children who are using social media unsupervised are also faced with the risk of online grooming and harassment. Different social media applications have increased people’s exposure to other people’s lifestyles and activities. This can create a sense of frustration, depression, and anxiety in individuals. At times, people can resort to dangerous measures to recreate their lifestyles to match those they see on social media.
Although technology has brought significant changes, it has also multiplied the challenges faced by people. Therefore, all parents should supervise their children’s use of digital devices and social media. They should limit younger children’s exposure and should inform them of the harmful effects of technology as they grow older. Educational institutes can lend parents a helping hand by offering students counselling and seminars on the healthy use of social media.
Ali Raza Jamali
Shaheeed Benazirabad
Published in The Express Tribune, March 9th, 2023.
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