Smartphone addiction can cause health problems and harm a child's development. Find out more!
Cell phone use is quite common these days, including among children, who use the device to play games and watch videos. Many parents end up allowing this use, but often do not pay attention to the consequences that this can have on the health and development of their children. Constant cell phone use can trigger anxiety in children, who show signs of irritability, agitation, lack of sleep, and others.
Like other activities, screen time can cause “immediate pleasure” in the brain, which can lead to addiction in those who use it. Therefore, when children are not using their cell phones, they can become irritable and agitated, and display different behavior.
Learn more about the subject and discover how to protect your child from cell phone addiction.
Childhood anxiety
Childhood anxiety about cell phone use can cause isolation, demotivation, insomnia, irritability, apathy, agitation and other symptoms. The screen of the device can modify the brain development of children, as it involves the same reward mechanisms that a psychoactive substance produces.
Just like glucose, alcohol and other chemicals, screens can cause immediate pleasure or short-term reward in the brain, which occurs when dopamine, known as the “happiness hormone” is released, bringing a feeling of pleasure and well-being to the body. Excessive production of dopamine, however, can generate addiction and dependence on people, which is no different in children.
Therefore, it is necessary to be attentive to the signs that the child gives, as there is treatment for these cases, which can prevent greater suffering and worsening of the condition.
Additionally, parents can provide support to the children, creating good habits, establishing a routine for sleeping and waking up early, encouraging sports, encouraging good eating habits and avoiding cell phone use, especially at night, so that the child can live and grow in a healthier way.
In more extreme cases, parents should seek professional help, in psychological offices and psychiatric clinics, so that they can assess the situation and offer specific treatment, helping the child to improve from this anxiety condition.
How to help children forget about their cell phones
Create healthy habits
As mentioned above, it is ideal to create habits that make children forget about using their cell phones. Therefore, spend more time with them, doing offline activities and games that stimulate their creativity and development. Create a routine for sleeping and waking up, as well as encouraging them to eat better. To do this, be a role model and encourage this in your child.
Teach how to deal with boredom
Many adults use their cell phones to pass the time, whether it's checking social media, watching or watching the news. When children see their parents constantly using their cell phones, they may understand that this is the best way to stave off boredom, and so they will want to use their cell phones for this purpose. Parents need to offer other activities that make the child forget the need to use the cell phone, whether it's board games, memory games, playing soccer, taking dance lessons, or something that is good for the child.
Take walks
Encourage your child to go for walks, meet friends and family, to keep their minds occupied and forget about their smartphones. This can improve their physical and mental health, ensuring better development. Children like to explore their surroundings, so a trip to the park, the zoo or museums can be great options.
Encourage reading
Reading is an important activity for brain development and can be a good way for children to put their cell phones aside. In addition, spending time with their parents can create good memories that can be carried into adulthood.
Physical exercises
Physical exercise is also a great way to deal with boredom and reduce anxiety. Riding a bike, playing sports, walking in the park and other activities can be a good way for children to forget about their cell phones and still take care of their physical health.
