Letters to the Editor
Keeping children away from smartphones
Thursday, 21 September 2023
Smartphones are becoming an indispensable part of our life, and even some children have their own cell phones. Parents often give their smartphones to the children. However, long-term exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from devices like cell phones can be dangerous to adults let alone children. Young children and newborns are even more vulnerable to this danger. So, special care should be taken while using mobile phones near children. The ultraviolet (UV) rays emitting from the phone screens and the risk of battery explosion - all are important to note for the safety of your children. Sleeping with one's phone next to them is common among many of us. And most of the time, keeping the phone beneath the pillow seems to be the best option because it is simple to reach when it rings. Many people are, however, unaware that sleeping with your phone next to you might be harmful to your health and more harmful to your children. Its radiation is injurious. And it is considered to have a significant impact on health.
Keeping mobile phones at a safe distance from children is important for their physical and mental well-being. Excessive screen time can lead to problems like sleep disruption and decreased physical activity, particularly harmful to developing eyes. It can cause symptoms like headaches, blurred vision and social isolation. So, it would be a good practice to limit children's screen time. Parental controls and supervision can help protect children from smartphone risks. Parents play a crucial role in setting boundaries, monitoring usage and providing guidance on responsible phone use to ensure that it does not become a detrimental habit. It is important to strike a balance between screen time and other activities like outdoor play, reading and face-to-face social interaction.
Sanjida Jahan Shammi,
Student of Department of Nutrition and Food Engineering,
Daffodil International University, Dhaka,
sanjidajahan455@gmail.com