Too much digitalisation may lead children to become mobile-maniacsh
| Date :17-Jun-2020 |
Principal Correspondent ;
Children may get diverted to other sites due to excess use of cellphones
In the wake of coronavirus outbreak everything has become on-line. From school education to meetings conducted by Government all have digitalised. Will too much digitalisation lead to some problems among children and youngsters? Along with their regular study are there chances of these users get diverted to other unnecessary sites? Is there any solution to prevent the same? With these questions, ‘The Hitavada’ interacted with three psychiatrists who felt there should be some check on digitalisation and some way should be found out so that excess use of mobile or such gadgets can be reduced.
Dr Nikhil Pande, former Secretary of Psychiatry Society Nagpur said, “Screen time that includes mobile, TV and internet use has increased due to digitalisation. Kids are exposed to cyberbulling , porn and can fall pray to paedophiles. Those who spends excessive time on screen are basically escaping from loneliness, insomnia and one who wants to avoid ruminative thoughts.
These symptoms are common in anxiety and depression.” Explaining in detail Dr Abhishek Somani, former President of Psychiatry Society of Nagpur stated, “Things happen instantly in digital world. In real world, it takes time to get things done. Because children are more pushed into digital world as a combined effect of lockdown, social distancing from other kids and e-schooling, they are likely to become more impatient in real world situations. This will show up in aggression, short tempered behavior and anger outbursts when things go slower than their liking.” Agreeing with Dr Somani, the young psychiatrist from Mumbai Dr Sagar Mundhada pointed out, “Today , many people are hooked into screen 24 by 7. Many are digital addicts as in when they have to be without the internet, they start showing restlessness, agitation, anger outbursts and intense craving to be online continuously.
Many get physically violent if not allowed to Persie their digital addiction. The virtual world and the virtual image become everything for youngsters. Any rejection or untoward comments are taken to heart and can trigger self esteem and self doubt issues which is very dangerous.” According to Dr Somani, e-schooling will take care of book education to some extent but we send child to school to learn other activities too. “These activities are things like sports, cooperation with others, discipline , etc. Families will find it difficult to replicate these activities in home.
As a result, kids can become more mean, impatient and self-centered,” elaborated Dr Somani.Reminding the incident of Delhi boys locker room that exposed some different trend, Dr Somani pointed out, “Most parents are less techno-savvy than their kids so often we come across complaints from parents that the child makes fun of their tech handicap and show their electronic skills. A disturbing example would be surfing and sharing pornography.
The parents may not be able to catch this in time and may land the kids in trouble.” Dr Sagar Mundhada put a very valid point. “Constantly wanting to know everything creates an anxiety when something is uncertain that if unchecked can lead to severe psychological issues. Excess use of mobile affects the sleep and too much addicted to screen usage increases risk of depression and other lifestyle disorders. Excess time on screen for online learning is also not advisable. Many attention deficit problems arise because of this habit. Unregulated use can lead to exposure to pornography without proper authority and these youngsters can develop all sorts of wrong belief systems about sexuality in them,” Dr Mundhada expressed fear.