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6 smartphone habit is negatively impacting kids' studies and how to fix the issue

TOI Lifestyle Desk
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - Oct 21, 2024, 15:05 IST
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1/7

How can smartphones benefit kids?

Smartphones have become an important part of our daily lives for almost everyone. For kids, they can be both a source of entertainment and a distraction. While mobile phones help children stay connected and learn new things, they can also hurt their studies and health. Here, we will look at how smartphones are affecting kids' education and well-being, and what parents can do to fix these problems.

2/7

Constantly distracts them from studying

The very purpose of smartphones is to draw a person’s attention. When the kids attempt to study, they are more likely to become sidetracked by constant notifications of several apps and games. They find it challenging to concentrate on their academic work because of these distractions.
Parents need to teach kids to use features like "Do Not Disturb" or silence mode when studying to tackle this issue. They also need to set up rules on the time and app that the kids use. Having dedicated study periods during which phones are put away can also aid in improving focus.

3/7

Getting addicted to online games

Nobody would want to put their phones aside when they were kids. Instead, they would rather lose hours on end to online gaming, which has the potential to become addictive. This shortens their study period and clashes with their sleep, which makes it more difficult for them to concentrate in class.
This is the point where parents should establish game time limits, particularly on school nights. To keep kids entertained without using devices, introduce them to offline hobbies, sports, and reading.

4/7

Too use of social media

Social media platforms are a major distraction for adults these days. This is what also happens with kids. This leads to hours of scrolling and chatting. This not only takes away from study time but can also affect their mental health, as children may feel pressured to keep up with others' posts or compare themselves to peers.
This is the time for parents to teach children about the downsides of social media, like its impact on self-esteem. Parents should teach their kids to take breaks from social apps. Kids should be reminded that it's okay not to be online all the time. Apps that track and limit social media usage can also help kids stay on track with their studies.

5/7

Over-reliance on mobile phones for homework


Our smartphones can provide us with any kind of information we might need. This might help students with garnering information on any particular topic. Although, over-reliance on them can hinder learning. Kids might just look up answers instead of trying to solve problems on their own.
Parents should guide kids to use smartphones as a tool rather than a solution. Encourage them to try solving homework problems without using their phone first. If they do need help, suggest looking up explanations rather than direct answers to foster a deeper understanding of the topic.

6/7

Late-night screen time affects sleep

Using smartphones late at night is common among the general public. Because it is the only time when we can relax and chill. Children also tend to do the same, it can be either texting, gaming, or watching videos. The blue light emitted by screens can disturb their sleep cycle. This leads to tiredness and lack of concentration during school hours.
Establish a "no-screen" rule at least an hour before bedtime to help kids wind down. Consider creating a charging station outside the bedroom where all devices are kept overnight.

7/7

Exposure to inappropriate content

Children can come across inappropriate content on the internet if they are not properly supervised. They could become distracted from their schoolwork and experience mental health issues as a result.
To filter offensive information on smartphones, set up parental settings. Teach children the value of using the internet safely and go over what to do if they encounter something upsetting.

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