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Review Article | DOI: https://doi.org/10.31579/2690-8808/113
Professor cum Dy.Director Nursing & Research, Vinayaka Mission College of Nursing, AVMC University campus Puducherry, South India
*Corresponding Author: Sharadha Ramesh, Former Director, Symbiosis College of Nursing, Former Academic Council Member, BOE Member, Symbiosis International University, Pune
Citation: Sharadha Ramesh, (2022) Gadget Addiction and Parental Responsibilities in Child Rearing, J. Clinical Case Reports and Studies 3(4); DOI: 10.31579/2690-8808/113
Copyright: © 2022 Sharadha Ramesh., This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Received: 23 March 2022 | Accepted: 16 May 2022 | Published: 28 May 2022
Keywords: gadgets; addiction; creative work; e-books
Gadgets like mobile, iPad and other electronic devices are a necessary evil in the modern world. These electronic devices have many advantages in the day-to-day life of human and it is a boon in terms of knowledge transfer to all age groups in a very short span of time. It has its own disadvantages and when recklessly used causes very many ill effects for the mankind. The global pandemic of Covid 19 since the year 2020 has made these gadgets available and usable for all age groups. Children are the major users and have no other option except to use these gadgets. This causes addiction in these young little minds and has a huge physical, mental and social ill health. The only way that this can be minimized though not prevented is by the way of customizing the nurturing pattern and added parental responsibilities. Parents they themselves are over worked with gadgets due to pandemic it becomes an utmost need to modify the nurturing practices to prevent gadget addiction in their children.
Apps – Applications, v/s – Versus, WHO – World Health Organization
Children are the future of the world. The early part of life as a child is always remembered and reminiscence by every individual at a later part of their life. This is because every human get a cherished life and memory during childhood. Lot of liberty, no shy attitude whether it be in playing, singing, dancing etc., makes it the most memorable part of human life. Children’s life style is like a free bird without any inhibitions. They play a lot, socialize with their age group and loves outdoor activities. Though schooling gives them some time of high intense studies rest of the time they make friends, play in the ground, celebrate various events and enjoy having a group meal. All these were before Covid 19 pandemic declaration. Post pandemic things has been turned upside down for these young minds. They are literally caged for necessity and preventing disease spread. While earlier schools and parents banned their screen time, now it has been forced on to them. Where neither parents nor the children have any other option but to accept the gadgets. The worst affected among children are the under fives /toddlers and primary school children. Due to force of screen time to learn even music, dance, yoga this in the due course becomes an addiction. This could be prevented if understood and tweaked in the way children are nurtured. To look into its perspectives one has to first understand what a gadget addiction.
What is gadget addiction?
Gadget addiction is a sense of urge to use a smartphone or other gadget like tablet, computer, television, ipad etc., when bored or idle when used uncontrollably equates to addiction. It is measured in terms of screen time and does not discriminate who is affected, it affects all age groups and people of all races. This effects mental, emotional and physical health. The impact is so high that children may not be able to quit the addiction and parents may not be able to restrict the usage as it is an important tool for education starting from the kindergarten level.
Life with v/s without Gadgets
Screen Time for Children < 2>
There are many more to the with v/s without gadgets. The usual question among parents and elders is how much screen time should children below the age of 2 years be allowed?
Many say it is 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes but the actual time is none for children less than 2 years.
Statistical Data insights on Addiction
The researches above give the insight that gadget usage with increased screen time makes children go through lot of physical, social and mental ill effects. The straight and vertical effect on these health dimensions helps to understand why the screen time for children should be reduced though not curbed in the current scenario of Covid 19 the global pandemic.
Reasons why one should reduce screen time in Children
How can parents and elders curb this menace for which guidelines by various health professional organisation will come handy.
Evidence, guidelines and Recommendations
1. American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations
Below 2 years: Can use face time or video call
2 – 5 years: less than 60 minutes of high-quality programs.
Parents should watch with the child.
6 years above: Consistent limits should not replace sleep time, physical activity and essentials.
2. Dr. Kimberly Young’s Rule of 3-6-9-12 (NetAddiction.com)
3. World Health Organization (WHO)
4. The Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (Australia):
There are other organizations also giving recommendations. It becomes important for nurses and health care providers to give parents and elders these insights of nurturing the children. The following aspects throw light on few tips to improve the screen time and prevent gadget addiction among children.
a. When can the screen time be allowed for Children?
b. Provide a Music time for Children
c. Encourage and hand hold Creative activities
d. Procedure to make Salt Play Dough at home which is user and eco friendly
1-cup salt, 4 cups flour (any edible flour), 1 ½ cups water 4tbs edible oil. Mix flour and salt. Add water and oil slowly to the dry ingredients, stirring with a spoon until well blended. Knead dough until soft and pliable. Add food color to make different colors. This dough is not dangerous even if accidentally tasted by the children. All that is required is parents should show their interest and time in making this homemade dough.
e. Children are great helpers - Make them your little helper at home
Post pandemic of Covid 19 and still the situation is grim due to the rise and fall of infection it becomes our utmost need and priority to concentrate on the nurturing practices of children. Gadgets are here to stay. It is no point in talking about preventing or avoiding screen time as the gadgets will take over all the daily chores in a short span of time. Parents, Elders and health care providers should improvise, innovate, customize certain activities and protect the young minds from getting addicted to gadgets; but use it cautiously and carefully to save the nations. After all children are the wealth and pride of any nation.
I, Dr. Sharadha Ramesh author of the article declare that I do not have any financial interest or any conflict of interest exists by writing and submitting my review article on the gadget addiction and parental responsibilities in children.
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