In a shocking case of how more and more kids these days are becoming addicted to mobile phones and other screens, a nine-year-old boy from Haryana slit his arm after his parents took away his mobile from him.
Reports say that both the boy's parents are working and therefore in order to keep him "occupied" the child was given his own mobile phone. In fact, the boy always had a mobile phone in his hands even when he was a baby. At first, he would be given the phone so that he could finish his meals quickly, later on, without even realising, it became a habit for him.
“Both parents are working, the father a businessman and the mother a lecturer, and had very little time for the child. It was also found that when the child was an infant, he was given the mobile for entertainment. Slowly, it developed into a habit. He would have his meals only when he had a mobile. Either he would see YouTube or play games while having food,” says Sir Ganga Ram Hospital’s consultant psychiatrist, Dr Rajiv Mehta.
Doctor Mehta also points out that the parents stated spotted symptoms a year back when the boy started showing withdrawal symptoms after his mobile was taken away from him. However, Dr Mehta was shocked to see the following symptoms in him.
- He would complain of constant headaches due to his weak eyesight and he was advised to wear spectacles.
- To improve eyesight, his parents were asked to limit his screen time but by this time it became a habit and the boy would be irritable and throw tantrums.
- He would bang his head against the wall if his wishes were not complied with.
“Finally, he tried cutting his forearm with the kitchen knife to have his way, "adds Dr Mehta.
The good news is that the boy has been saved, but he has been put on anti-depressants and has been advised "alternative ways of living". The doctors are pushing him to take up new hobbies and indulge in sports.
Keeping your child off the phone...
It can be tough for parents to keep their child off the phone, once the child develops a habit, but don't' worry, slowly and steadily you can wean your child off. I have a six-year-old girl and being the mother I make sure that she does NOT spend any time on the phone, though television is fine. Here's what I do to keep her off the phone, TV and iPad:
- There are plenty of indoor games instead of Temple Run and Candy Crush that your children will enjoy playing with you. How about introducing your child to board games such as carrom and Ludo that we all enjoyed in our childhood.
- Explain to your child why it is not good to use a mobile phone. If possible, when you're with him, stay away from the phone and spend that time with him.
- Have a "no screen" time during the day where all you do as a family is read or do an activity of your choice. You could also just play silly games with your child, who cares, as long as both are having fun.
- Also, make it a point to have no gadgets on the dinner table and make sure you enjoy your meals as a family.
Also Read: Digital Heroin: Too much screen time turning kids into psychotic junkies
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