Dr bilawal Kamran
As most parents with young children can attest, handing over a smartphone, tablet, or other digital devices is often the quickest way to calm a crying child. In the short term, these gadgets serve as a convenient distraction, helping parents manage their child’s behavior. However, the long-term effects of unsupervised digital device use, especially for young children, can be far more detrimental than many realize. While these devices have become an integral part of modern life, their unchecked use, particularly by young, impressionable minds, can have serious consequences on a child’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
A recent survey conducted by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky reveals some alarming statistics about how parents are using digital devices to manage their children’s behavior. According to the survey, 89% of parents rely on gadgets to keep their children occupied, which suggests that digital devices have become a go-to solution for entertainment and distraction. However, what is particularly concerning is the fact that 78% of children surveyed admitted that they could not live without their devices, raising questions about dependency and addiction at an alarmingly young age.
The situation becomes even more troubling when we consider that 22% of parents in the Middle East, Turkey, and parts of Africa reported never having discussed internet safety with their children. With such a high percentage of children and parents unaware of the potential dangers lurking online, the need for open conversations about digital safety and well-being has never been more urgent.
While digital devices are now a staple in every household, excessive and unsupervised screen time can have a negative impact on children’s mental and physical health. Studies have shown that too much screen time can lead to various health problems, including obesity, poor posture, and sleep disturbances. Furthermore, excessive exposure to screens can hinder a child’s cognitive and social development, as it deprives them of crucial face-to-face interactions and physical activities.
Digital devices are also highly addictive, and children can easily become hooked on games, social media, and other online content. As a report from UNICEF suggests, children under the age of three should have no access to such devices. The development of a child’s brain during the first few years of life is critical, and exposure to screens at such an early age can disrupt this natural growth process, impairing their ability to focus, think critically, and develop essential social skills.
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Parents must take an active role in setting boundaries around their children’s screen time. This includes not only limiting the amount of time children spend on digital devices each day but also being mindful of the content they are consuming. The internet is filled with both helpful and harmful material, and children are particularly vulnerable to encountering dangerous, inappropriate, or violent content.
One of the biggest threats to children online is the risk of encountering predators. Children may unknowingly engage with strangers or expose themselves to harmful content without realizing the danger. For this reason, it is essential for parents to monitor their child’s online activities, not just in terms of the amount of time spent on screens, but also the nature of the websites and apps they are using.
There are numerous tools and apps available that allow parents to monitor and control what their children access online. From blocking inappropriate websites to setting screen time limits, these parental control features can help safeguard children from potential harm. However, the responsibility doesn’t just fall on technology alone—parents must also have regular conversations with their children about the dangers of the online world and teach them how to stay safe while browsing the internet.
In Pakistan, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) should take a more proactive approach in promoting digital safety for children. This could include launching public awareness campaigns that educate parents on how to protect their children from online harm. These campaigns should focus on practical tips for ensuring responsible device usage and highlight the risks associated with unsupervised internet use.
To be effective, digital safety messages need to be communicated in a way that is both accessible and relatable to parents. Since the majority of Pakistan’s population speaks Urdu and various regional languages, it is vital that these messages are delivered in these languages to ensure maximum reach. Utilizing popular online platforms and social media channels can further amplify these messages, making them accessible to a wider audience, particularly in rural areas where access to information on digital safety may be limited.
The PTA could partner with schools, local community centers, and health organizations to spread awareness about the risks of excessive screen time and online dangers. Workshops, seminars, and informational brochures in local languages could help equip parents with the knowledge they need to protect their children from the harmful effects of digital devices. Furthermore, these campaigns should include information about how to set up parental controls, what to do if a child is exposed to inappropriate content, and the importance of fostering open communication between parents and children regarding online activities.
Perhaps the most critical step in ensuring the safety of children in the digital age is initiating frank and open conversations between parents, children, and experts. While many parents may recognize the importance of limiting screen time, few have the knowledge or resources to address the full scope of potential risks that come with online exposure. Engaging with experts in child development, cybersecurity, and digital literacy can help parents better understand the specific challenges their children face in the digital world.
Additionally, children should be encouraged to express their thoughts and concerns about the devices they use and the content they access. Creating an environment where children feel comfortable discussing their online experiences can help prevent them from becoming victims of cyberbullying, online grooming, or exposure to harmful content. Parents should also teach children about the importance of protecting their privacy online, the dangers of sharing personal information, and the importance of treating others with respect in online interactions.
Digital devices are undoubtedly a part of everyday life, and there is no turning back from their role in modern society. However, as the Kaspersky survey highlights, it is crucial for parents to acknowledge the risks that come with excessive or unsupervised use of these gadgets. By setting limits on screen time, using parental control tools, and fostering open communication with their children about online safety, parents can help mitigate the negative effects of digital devices on their children’s health and well-being.
At the same time, it is essential for organizations like the PTA to take the lead in raising awareness about digital safety and promoting responsible device use. Through public awareness campaigns, educational programs, and community engagement, we can create a safer and more balanced digital environment for children in Pakistan, ensuring that they can enjoy the benefits of technology without falling prey to its dangers.
