Are Smartphones Making Your Children Rebellious?

Are Smartphones Making Your Children Rebellious?

One can spend a whole day in front of the phone screen indulging in a myriad number of activities ranging from games, to news, to chatting with friends and family. Undoubtedly, smartphones are a great way to communicate with our loved ones and update ourselves with what is happening around us. However, we all know there is a certain dark side of smartphones and social media that is griping society, especially children and young adults.

How Smartphones Make Children More Rebellious

Children and young adults look at smartphones as an integral part of their lives. In fact, it is so evident that nomophobia, a new term has been devised for people who find it hard to think of life without their phone. The amount of time children spend in front of the screen has increased so much that it is a psychological and emotional hazard! They become rebellious and aggrieve when asked to put the phone away. There is also minimal engagement with peers, playing sports or indulging in hobbies. Their complete life revolves around their smartphone.

A lot of children ape their parents as they see them too, actively involved in their smartphone. On the other hand, the internet also is very easily accessible and what children see on the screen, they like to imitate. Thus, if they are not allowed to do as seen in certain videos and games may lead them to rebel against their parents and the system as a whole. This further makes them feel very discontented with their lives, leading to more complications.

Parents are sometimes puzzled as to how best to deal with situations such as these. They also may feel that it might be unfair to hold back the smartphone and not allow their children to use their smartphones, just like their peers. So in case you too face such dilemmas, here’s what you can do:

  • Decide on the screen time and hour each day, including TV, smartphones, and laptops
  • Giving them the freedom to choose in a limited pool of what is age-appropriate. Put parental locks in all your devices
  • Explain to children and rationalise other ways of using their time and putting them in activities that are stimulating for them
  • Reduce your own phone usage in front of your children. Children are quick learners and you are the first ones they would like to model

Psychological And Emotional Effects Of Smartphones

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Low self-esteem
  • Inadequacy
  • Low frustration tolerance
  • Anger management issues
  • Addictions

If you feel that smartphones are bringing in a temperamental change in your child, see a counsellor or a psychologist who can help you deal with this in a professional way.

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