Reduce children's mobile addiction

In almost every household in the country, signs of mobile addiction are now evident. In families with young children, it is often observed that they spend time with mobile phones intermittently. Whether watching cartoons, videos, or playing video games, children are engaged with mobile devices before they even learn to speak. As they grow a little older and become completely addicted to mobile devices, parents often blame the child. However, they fail to consider their own role in introducing the child to mobile phones from an early age.

It is often seen that parents give mobile phones to children to stop their crying or to keep them occupied while they are busy with other tasks. Perhaps, in doing so, parents think they are keeping the child temporarily calm. However, have they considered the irreparable harm this may cause to the child?

This issue should be viewed not only as a family or social problem but also as a national issue. We must consider the possibility of the destruction of several future generations as a result of this. Child expert Dr. Monjur Hossen has pointed out that children who are deprived of various physical activities such as playing, running, or cycling gradually become addicted to mobile phones or video games. As a result, their ability to engage in any activity and communicate effectively in real life is hindered. Furthermore, there is also damage to their eyesight.

Mobile phones, social media, and internet games addiction is similar to addiction to other substances. One is behavioral addiction, and the other is chemical addiction. In reality, there is ample evidence that children who become addicted to mobile phones from an early age do not show much interest in social interaction. They often struggle to communicate with their parents on many topics, leading to frustration. Their mood can become irritable, and they may become withdrawn.

Many mothers, finding that their young children do not want to eat, resort to handing them a mobile phone while feeding them. The child remains engrossed in the mobile device, while the mother feeds them. The child pays no attention to the food being consumed. Research has shown that if there is no focus on the food during mealtime, digestion is impaired. Consequently, the child's immunity decreases, leading to frequent illnesses.

Children in villages still have the opportunity to play with neighboring kids, so they use mobile phones less frequently. However, children in cities are often confined indoors, leading to higher mobile addiction. Urban areas lack sufficient playgrounds and parks. No child can be blamed for their mobile addiction. The fault lies with societal and governmental systems. Ensuring a healthy and happy childhood for children is a shared responsibility of both families and the state. Children should be encouraged to engage in physical activities, and the appropriate environment must be provided to support this.