In the time of technology, we are surrounded by gadgets. We are always stuck in the tangled wires. To get rid of mobiles and gadgets is almost impossible. But whenever I see children using gadgets, a question appears in my mind: Why do children use gadgets more often?

What is the reason behind this kind of behaviour?

Why are they so attached to the gadget?

Why are they being aggressive when we force a stop to using mobiles?

 

Why do children use their mobiles more often?

Children and especially teenagers and youngsters, have become addicted to the gadget. The children have got the habit that, whether there is a notification or not, they keep checking their mobile continuously. Even young children are seeking the opportunity to use a mobile or a laptop.

There is scientific research on the different age groups of children to explain why they are so possessive or addicted to gadgets, especially mobiles.

Here are some reasons behind the addictive behaviour of children.

1)    Mobile is easily available and accessible

Nowadays, a mobile with internet is easily accessible for children. Even if they do not have their own mobile, they have access to a parent’s mobile or another family member’s mobile. They can use it without permission.

What we can do- don’t give them a password, and use a finger lock so you know how much time they are having screen. 

 

2)    They are getting bored

If you observe a child, they are attracted to the gadget when they are getting bored or tense. It sounds different, but yes, it’s true. They are attracted to mobiles when they are getting bored or they are almost inactive.

What should we do- Normalise boredom, you are not in charge of their boredom. Actually, boredom is a good thing, it makes their mind wander.

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3)    They are feeling stressed

Whenever they feel stress or pressure, they want some relief. Our body releases some happy hormones, called dopamine, when we use social media and scroll reels or make connections with online friends who are available on these platforms. Once they started to scroll the screen, they forgot the time limits. 

Scrolling social media is like a vicious cycle. If you feel stressed, you are likely to scroll more, and then it makes you more anxious and stressed as you see more of it.

What should we do- If your child has no personal phone, you can limit their screen time and encourage them for other offline activities.

If your child has their own mobile, teach them stress relief activities like breathing exercises, journaling, and positive self-talk. Also, make them aware of the adverse effects of social media and screen time.

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4)    Copying friends

This is the foremost reason for getting stuck on mobile: they are copying friends. Just because their friends have an account on some social media, they also want to make one. We often hear from children, “My friend plays ‘blah blah’ game on his mobile. So, I also want to play that game.” Or “My all friend has an account on that social media; I wanted to.”

What we can do- Give them the power of choice, but with firm and relevant boundaries. Teach them about online literacy, which includes being kind to others, no bullying, online safety, no sharing personal info, etc.

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A big no for children under age to play violent games or any kind of social media access, as they are vulnerable to bullies and scammers.

 

5) They are modelling parents

As parents, it is our responsibility to make an ideal example. They look at us as role model from their childhood. Whenever you have excessive use of your mobile, children also get inspired to use their mobiles. They start exactly how we behave. It is seen that when parents have no control over their mobile usage, their children start using mobiles excessively.

There are many reasons behind excessive mobile usage, like home atmosphere, stress, loneliness, boredom, and more.  As we know, unnecessary usage may cause many physical and mental disorders. So, it is advisable to have discipline in mobile usage.

 

Read Detailed Article- Why are Children Addicted to Screens

 

Final thought

I always believe that when it comes to our child, we become more possessive and concerned. Before doing any kind of restriction on your child for using a mobile or any other gadget, first, you have to understand the circumstances under which this behaviour appears. Sometimes the reason is minor and will be solved in a short time period. But if you see such behaviour for a long time, it is a matter of concern.

Observe them, there is a genuine reason for having a mobile, or they are just obsessed.

They manage their social life through social media. They want to make their connections and upgrade themselves. They may be using a mobile to make contact with peers and manage their daily activities.

There are many reasons for using a mobile. Just remember, they would have control over their usage and their behaviour without being addicted.