Smartphones are consuming a significant amount of children’s time each day. This phenomenon is largely due to the addictive nature of cartoons and games that are easily accessible on mobile devices. This essay views this trend as detrimental, as it contributes to serious health issues.
In today’s modern world, smart devices are prevalent in most households. A baby sees its parents using a smartphone from the moment it opens its eyes, which sparks its curiosity to explore these devices. As children grow, parents often rely on gadgets to keep them entertained, allowing them to complete daily tasks without interruptions. This constant access makes children addicted to certain cartoons or games, to the extent that they cry or become stubborn without them. For instance, Cocomelon Nursery Rhymes on YouTube has videos that can accumulate up to 7 billion views, featuring bright colors and rapidly changing scenes to capture the attention of toddlers.
Currently, children are spending the majority of their day on smartphones. This excessive screen time results in decreased physical activity, which negatively impacts essential growth hormones, such as those responsible for height and bone structure, that are typically enhanced through outdoor play. Additionally, children are facing numerous health issues, including headaches, nausea, sleep deprivation, eye strain, and obesity. A recent article in The New York Times titled ‘Are smartphones just a scapegoat for our unhappy children?’ illustrated the consequences of excessive smartphone usage, highlighting its devastating effects on children’s physical, biological, and mental well-being.
In summary, digital gadgets can severely damage the upbringing of our future generations. Children are increasingly falling victim to e-sports addiction and animated content. In addition to wasting precious time, this trend is also harming their health.