Children nowadays have been growing up with an unprecedented access to technology and media. While these elements have brought convenience and entertainment to the lives of many, it has been heavily scrutinized to the point of being noticed as a detrimental factor in their growth and development.
Although technology and media can be beneficial in stimulating creativity and reasoning in young minds, it has been found that excessive and unrestricted exposure to these elements can have an overwhelming influence on them. This leads to various sources of distress, such as physical and mental health problems. Stress is known to be a major risk factor for depression, which may further lead to serious cognitive and behavioral issues.
Research has found that children growing up in a world full of digital media are more likely to develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, eating disorders, and sleep deprivation. Moreover, research into the effects of cyberbullying and sexting has shed light on a new realm of psychological problems that are affecting young people in the digital age. Experts have found a direct correlation between the increase in cyberbullying and the occurrence of suicide among teenagers.
On the physical side, prolonged exposure to screens leads to unbalanced diets in children. This is further compounded by the rise of convenience foods, as well as an increase in sedentary activities. As a result, the number of children and adolescents suffering from obesity and other nutrition-related issues has dramatically increased in the past two decades.
Children today face an entirely new array of dangers that can be avoided with proper parenting and guidance. It is important to monitor and moderate their use of technology and provide education on the dangers of unrestricted access to digital media. Parents and guardians should also be aware of their own digital habits, as it has been found that children model the behavior of their caregivers.
It is important to remember that technology and media are a part of the lives of many, but it is also essential to establish boundaries. It is necessary to put limits on the amount of time that children spend using digital devices, as well as restricting access to inappropriate content. By doing so, we can foster a healthier environment for children to grow and develop.
