Parents of children say that their children are spending more and more time on mobile and social media platforms. Children are using social media, gaming and OTT platforms in large quantities, which is a matter of concern.

In the world where today’s children are growing up, smartphones, tablets and internet have become a part of their everyday life. Earlier, children used to play outside in their free time, read books or sit and talk with the family. But now the meaning of entertainment has gradually been limited to the mobile screen. Especially short videos like Tik-Tok, Instagram reels and YouTube shorts have become so deeply included in the lives of children that they are not just a means of passing time, but have also started changing the thinking, habits and behavior of children.

These videos may seem fun and light-hearted to watch, but the dangers hidden behind them are gradually affecting the health and mental development of children. Parents often think that if the child is just watching videos on mobile, there will be no harm. But the real problem is not in watching the video, but in the habit of watching it continuously.

Why do short videos attract children so much?

Short videos are very short, fast and trend-related. These contain songs, jokes, stunts, shocking scenes and filters, which immediately grab the attention of children. As soon as one video ends, another one starts playing automatically. In this, the child does not get a chance to think or stop, he just keeps scrolling with his finger. The problem is that these apps were not made for children, but they are the ones who are using them the most. Many times children watch these videos alone, without any supervision, so they do not understand when a funny video turns into dangerous or wrong content.

bad effect on sleep

Today many children have made a habit of looking at mobile phones just before sleeping. The glowing screen in a dark room tires both the eyes and the mind. The bright light of mobile causes the sleep inducing hormone to work late. On top of that, the fast changes of the video do not allow the mind to calm down. The result is that children sleep late, do not get enough sleep and have trouble waking up in the morning. Lack of sleep directly affects the mood, studies and behavior of children. They become irritable and start getting angry over small things.

Ability to concentrate and control oneself is weak

Short videos are usually 15 to 90 seconds long. There is something new, sharp and shocking in every video. Due to this, children’s brain gradually becomes accustomed to constant new stimulation. When a child tries to read a book, do homework or concentrate on any one task, his mind quickly starts wandering. A 2023 analysis found that children who watch too many short videos reduce their ability to concentrate and their power of self-control begins to weaken, which is why children repeatedly say just one more video, but that one never ends.

increasing anxiety and social anxiety

Constantly watching the screen affects not only physical but also mental health. Recent studies have revealed that children and teenagers who watch short videos for a long time, have more problems like anxiety, restlessness, loneliness. This problem increases further due to poor sleep. When a child is unable to sleep properly, his mind remains heavy, he is not interested in studies and his communication with friends and family also reduces. Actually small children are more sensitive. Their brain is still developing. They learn quickly what they see and the effect is also quick. Due to the autoplay feature, as soon as one video ends, another starts. In such a situation, violent, scary, risky content may suddenly appear. Short videos do not contain full context. One moment there is laughter and the next moment there is fear or a sensitive scene. This change can be very confusing for children.

Government and schools are now becoming alert

The good thing is that now this problem is being taken seriously. In many countries, schools have been advised to teach digital security and online wisdom to children. In some schools, restrictions or limitations are being imposed on the use of mobile phones. Even at the international level, it is being demanded from social media platforms that there should be safe settings for children, proper age verification should be done and children should be protected from harmful content.

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In today’s digital era, children have started spending more time on smartphones, tablets, laptops and TV. Children stay on the screen for hours for studying, gaming or watching videos. This habit of children not only affects the eyes, but other parts of the body also become victims of this habit. In such a situation, let us tell you today which organs other than the eyes get damaged due to excessive screen time and how you can protect children from this.

These organs also get damaged due to excessive screen time

Effect on eyes: It is true that watching screens for long periods of time has a serious impact on the eyes and causes problems like digital eye strain, dry eyes and blurriness. Continuous use of screens can also increase serious eye problems like myopia.

Muscles and Bones: When children sit for long periods of time during screen time, it can also cause back, neck and back pain. Due to less physical activity, children’s bones may become weak and muscles may not develop properly.

Heart and Obesity: Watching the screen for a long time affects the eyes as well as other parts of the body. According to experts, sitting continuously and watching the screen reduces the physical activity of children. This can cause problems like obesity, heart diseases and fitness. In fact, for children to have a strong heart, it is necessary for them to be physically active every day.

Effect on sleep: At the same time, if children use screens for a long time before sleeping, then the quality of their sleep also gets affected. Due to not getting enough sleep, children remain tired, irritable and weak throughout the day.

Mental Health: Children often feel stressed and mentally stressed by spending too much time on social media and gaming. By watching online content, children start comparing themselves with others and constantly checking notifications also becomes dangerous for mental health.

How to reduce children’s screen time?

Family Party: To reduce the screen time of children, hold a family party at home once a week. Have different activities for children in the party, which will keep them physically active and reduce screen time.

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt: To reduce the screen time of children, make them play outdoor scavenger hunt game around the house or in the park. Due to which children will pay more attention to physical activities while running and the screen time will automatically reduce.

Outdoor Games: To increase the physical activity of children and reduce screen time, focus on playing outdoor games like badminton, frisbee and cricket.

Gardening: Experts also consider gardening as a good option to reduce the screen time of children. In such a situation, you should involve children in taking care of the plants. Watering the plants, playing in the soil and doing some light work will act as exercise for them.

20-20-20 rule: To protect children’s eyes from screen time, make a 20-20-20 rule for your children. According to this rule, after watching the screen for 20 minutes, one has to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Adults can also follow these rules along with children.

Brightness and Blue Light Filter: If children or elders also use laptop or phone inside the room, then set the brightness of the phone or laptop according to the light of the room. Or use blue light filter or night mode.

Read this also- Skin Signs Of High Cholesterol: If these 5 symptoms are seen on the skin, then understand that cholesterol has crossed the dangerous level, immediately run to the doctor.

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator