Smartphone Addiction in Children: Parents and State Must Step In

IN today’s world, approximately 92 percent of people own a mobile phone. Of these, about 31 percent never switch off their phones.

This fact reflects how technology has become an integral part of our daily lives.

Smartphones have also become virtually indispensable for children, who use them for studying, information gathering, communication, and entertainment.

In this age of information technology, the necessity of mobile phones cannot be denied.

But when the phone transcends mere necessity to become a child’s primary source of entertainment and constant companion during leisure time, it becomes a cause for concern.

It exposes those alluring images, videos and other content unrelated to their studies.

According to a news report published in this newspaper yesterday, schools and colleges across the country routinely use Facebook, Messenger and WhatsApp groups to share lesson plans, examination schedules, notices and study suggestions.

But student’s greater access to smartphones raises concern about their exposure to pornography and other inappropriate material.

Meanwhile, at least 114 countries worldwide have taken steps to ban the use of mobile phones in primary and schools.

Many nations-including Australia, China, England, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Mexico-have imposed more or less restrictions on social media usage for those under the age of 16. However, the reality in Bangladesh is different.

Therefore, it is essential to formulate regulations that take into account children’s ages.

A recent study on children revealed that approximately 86 percent of pre-schoolers in Bangladesh are addicted to smartphones, with 29 percent exhibiting excessive addiction.

Yet, only 14 percent of these children use smartphones for educational purposes.

Even more concerning is the fact that many mothers are unaware of their children’s smartphone addiction.

Research indicates that children in Bangladesh use smartphones for an average of nearly three hours daily-approximately three times the maximum duration recommended by the World Health Organization.

Such excessive use impacts children’s attention, sleep, physical health-particularly eyesight-and social interactions.

Therefore, parents need to monitor how long their children use the phone, what they are viewing, and whom they are communicating with. However, parental supervision alone is not enough.

Children can be exposed to age-inappropriate content while simply sitting at home.

Thus, the state also needs to play a clear role in ensuring the digital safety of children.

Effective regulations are needed regarding the control of online content based on children’s age, the detection and removal of harmful content, and the accountability of online platforms.

Clear policies must be formulated regarding the use of mobile phones in schools, taking into account educational needs and age.