Experts Warn that Mobile Phone Overuse is Impacting Children’s Mental Well-being
Excessive mobile phone use among children has become a concerning societal issue, with far-reaching consequences for their mental and emotional well-being. Experts have raised alarm bells, pointing to a range of adverse effects associated with this behavior.
Firstly, the overuse of mobile phones is contributing to addiction among children. The constant access to screens and the instant gratification of apps and social media platforms can lead to a compulsion to use the devices, often at the expense of other important activities.
This addiction, in turn, is negatively impacting children’s mental health. Numerous studies conducted both in Croatia and around the world have consistently demonstrated a growing risk to mental well-being, particularly among adolescents.
The World Health Organization’s data reveals that a significant portion of adolescents, one in seven between the ages of 10 and 19, grapple with mental health difficulties. In Croatia, this figure is even higher, exceeding 11%.
One of the most distressing outcomes of excessive mobile phone use is the increase in the prevalence of mental disorders among children. More than 49,000 children in Croatia are reported to suffer from various forms of mental disorders, with boys being disproportionately affected. This paints a grim picture of the mental health landscape among the nation’s youth.
Psychiatrists have also cautioned against the use of mobile phones in classrooms. This practice not only disrupts the learning environment but also erodes socialization skills. Moreover, it contributes to a host of issues such as cyberbullying, anxiety, and eating disorders, all of which have seen a concerning uptick.
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Disturbing Trends: The Surge in Online Searches for Self-Harm and Suicide Among Kids
A relatively new and particularly worrying phenomenon is the emergence of digital dementia. This condition manifests as a set of cognitive symptoms that bear a striking resemblance to dementia and is attributed to the excessive and inappropriate use of digital technologies, including mobile phones, tablets, and computers. This raises significant concerns about the long-term cognitive impact of mobile phone use on children.
Furthermore, children often misuse mobile phones for recording and mocking others, a behavior that can lead to peer violence and bullying. This misuse of technology not only harms the immediate victims but also contributes to a toxic online environment.
Perhaps most alarming is the increase in searches for information on suicide and self-harm among children and adolescents, which has risen by 50%. This underscores the profound psychological distress that some young people are experiencing as a result of their mobile phone usage.
In response to these concerning trends, experts emphasize the need for greater emphasis on prevention, collaboration among institutions, and active parental involvement. It is clear that addressing this issue requires a comprehensive and concerted effort from all segments of society.
Lastly, the impact of excessive mobile phone use on children’s sleep patterns cannot be ignored. Many students stay up late into the night, engaging with their devices and subsequently come to class in the morning fatigued and unfocused. This affects their academic performance, physical health, and overall well-being.
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Source: The Star
