The kids aren’t alright

Five-year-old Reeyaz Pudasaini embodies a generation absorbed in virtual realms. His leisure hours are dominated by mobile games, a habit spanning several years. Struggling academically and frequently embroiled in conflicts, he has become a recluse, avoiding any companionship. “I am comfortable alone,” he shares. “I get mad whenever my parents or siblings bother me.”

The allure of digital victories on mobile games has consumed him, replacing human connections. His digital addiction has blurred the line between reality and the virtual world.  Recognizing the seriousness of his behavior, a school counselor is trying to help Reeyaz adjust his attitude and make him more sociable. These days, he is taking up guitar and swimming lessons.

The story of Reeyaz is far from unique, with a prevailing trend seen across the country.  A parallel narrative emerges through Arika Dahal's story. Obsessed with online appearance and popularity, the twelve-year-old began contemplating cosmetic surgery to fix her nose and lips. Worried, her parents had to take her to a counselor.  

“She used to be the top student in her class,” says her father Anjan. “Her descent started after I made the mistake of giving her a mobile phone. She got hooked into TikTok which gave her the idea about beauty standards.”

In a world where self-alteration is just a click away, reality distorts. With the help of her counselor Arika is on the journey to self-acceptance, signaling a transformation from distorted self-perception to embracing one's uniqueness.  The tales of Reeyaz and Arika demonstrate how modern parents are enabling the digital addiction of their children by handing them smartphones at a very young age. They do not realize that the damaging allure of screens beckons even the youngest ones. 

In a paradoxical pursuit of solace, parents furnish the tech-enabled stimuli to their children that inadvertently subvert their growth. Experts decry this parental blind spot, urging due diligence in curating a virtual milieu befitting the developmental contours of the young minds. They say by fostering open conversations, parents can facilitate healthy digital practices, allowing children to explore while safeguarding their emotional well-being.

“Parents and teachers should be aware about the cognitive disorders of excess social media use on children. They must teach children safe online practices,” says Namrata Thapa, child psychologist.  “Children who spend too much time using online media may be exposed to a subtype of behavior known as Problematic Internet Use. Heavy gamers are at risk for Internet gaming disorder, where they have little interest in real-life or real-life relationships.”

Adolescents ensnared in the digital labyrinth exhibit anemic predilections for offline interactions, distorting the primal tenets of socializing. This curious paradox augments vulnerability, perpetuating a vicious cycle wherein the digital shelter belies a subtler kind of isolation.

Technology’s impact stretches beyond the psychological realm. The invasion of smartphones into sleep patterns affect young minds that require rejuvenation. The ergonomic impact, manifesting in neck and back discomfort, mirrors an unhealthy lifestyle driven by screen time.

In the world woven with digital threads, a generation's fate hangs precariously. As guardians, as society, the responsibility is clear: to tether children's soaring dreams and boundless curiosity to the shores of informed guidance. The digital realm is a canvas of both possibility and peril, which demands vigilance, dialogue, and above all, the preservation of childhood's innocence.

Things to do for your child’s digital wellbeing:

• Be aware of online risks: Parents and guardians should be aware of the risks associated with children using online platforms. Teach children about online safety, privacy settings, and responsible behavior on social media.

• Age-appropriate content: Ensure that children are exposed to age-appropriate content on the internet. Guide your children in using technology and consuming content that is suitable for their age.

• Promote balanced screen time: Encourage a healthy balance between online and offline activities. Excessive screen time can have negative effects on physical and mental health.

• Balance social media use: Instead of outright banning social media, teach children how to use it responsibly and safely. Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of social media use.

Encourage offline activities: Encourage children to engage in outdoor activities, hobbies, and real-life interactions to foster a healthy balance between online and offline experiences.