Reducing children's gadget-addiction

Most of our children now have access to smartphones or other electronic devices. As they grow older, many children develop an unhealthy attachment to their phones. The heavy presence of gadgets takes a heavy toll on children's and adolescents' mental and physical health. During the Covid-19-induced lockdown days, these children were encouraged to learn virtually and attend online classes. And now, parents are under pressure as they request their children to stop or limit using their phones and laptops.
It is common knowledge that children's addiction to phones harms them in various ways. This has not only resulted in poor educational outcomes, but most of them lack real life connections. There is also an increase in laziness, inactivity and poor mental health among the youths due to this addiction. To effectively address the youth's addiction to mobile phones, educational institutions must promote a range of recreational activities such as sports, debate, cultural programmes, etc. This will help them wean away from phones and provoke creativity. At home, parents should engage in different activities with children such as reading and avoid using phones in presence of younger children.

Afroza Sheikh,
Dania, Dhaka,
ilcbd2008@gmail.com