Excessive phone use in children - Harm and its prevention Smartphones, tablets, and other digital gadgets have become commonplace for children. While these devices serve as sources of knowledge and entertainment, their excessive use can have serious negative impacts on children's physical, mental, and social health. In this article, we will discuss the various aspects of this issue and provide solutions that have been prepared with the expert advice of child psychiatrist Dr. Shariq Qureshi. Negative Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Children 1. Vision-related problems: Continuous viewing screens puts excessive strain on children's eyes. This can lead to vision-related issues like myopia (nearsightedness). Sitting in front of screens for long periods can cause dryness, irritation, and fatigue in the eyes, which can affect the visual development of children. 2. Sleep problems: The blue light emitted from digital devices affects the melatonin hormone, which plays a crucial role in regulating sleep. When children use screens before going to bed at night, it can disrupt their sleep quality. Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, fatigue, and reduced attention in children, which can affect their academic and mental development. 3. Physical problems: Sitting in the same posture for a long time while viewing screens can lead to physical problems such as poor posture, back pain, and neck pain in children. Spending hours in front of screens reduces physical activity, leading to obesity and other health problems in children. 4. Psychological effects: Excessive screen time can also have negative effects on children's mental health. It can limit their social life, leading to feelings of loneliness. Spending too much time on screens can cause anxiety, depression, and a lack of self-awareness in children. 5. Impact on academic performance: When children spend most of their time on digital devices, it negatively affects their studies. Lack of focus, concentration problems, and indifference towards studies can weaken their academic performance. Moreover, over-dependence on digital devices can affect their learning process. 6. Lack of social skills: Spending too much time on screens can reduce children's social skills. They may become disconnected from real-life interactions, making it difficult for them to engage in social dialogues. This problem can impact children's social development, making it challenging for them to build better relationships with friends and family. Solutions: Ways to Manage Children's Screen Time 1. Control screen time: It is essential to control screen time for children. Set a limited time for them to use screens throughout the day and monitor that time closely. This will help children adopt a balanced lifestyle and engage in other activities as well. 2. Encourage outdoor activities: Motivate children to participate in outdoor games, physical activities, and creative tasks. This will not only improve their physical fitness but also aid in their mental and social development. Outdoor activities can become a part of a healthy lifestyle for children. 3. Set time limits for screen usage: Establish time limits for using digital devices and ensure that children adhere to those limits. During this time, advise them to take appropriate breaks to rest their eyes and feel refreshed. 4. Promote quality time with family: Spending quality time with children is crucial. Include them in family activities such as group meals, games, and conversations. This will strengthen your bond with them and help keep them away from digital devices. 5. Seek psychological assistance: If your child is facing mental health problems due to excessive screen time, it is important to consult a specialist. By visiting an experienced child psychiatrist like Dr. Shariq Qureshi, you can get an accurate assessment of your child’s mental condition and find solutions to their problems. 6. Balance education and entertainment: It is not practical to completely stop using digital devices, but it is essential to balance them. Encourage children to use educational apps and programs that can enhance their knowledge and skills. At the same time, allow them some time for entertainment but keep it limited. Expert Advice from Dr. Shariq Qureshi Dr. Shariq Qureshi, a child psychiatrist in Jaipur, has years of experience in the field of children's mental and physical health, he provides expert advice on controlling children's screen time and guides families in the right direction. Dr. Qureshi thoroughly analyzes children’s psychological problems and motivates them to lead a healthy life. If you are concerned about your child’s health and want to protect them from the harmful effects of smartphones and tablets, contact Dr. Shariq Qureshi today. His clinic offers comprehensive services for children's mental health, ensuring the holistic development of your child.