In just the last decade, the presence of electronic devices in our lives has exploded; especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. From televisions and smartphones to iPads, laptops, video games, and countless other gadgets (some whose names we may not even know), screen-based technology has entered nearly every home.
Table Of Content
- The Bright Side of the Screen
- But There’s Another Side…
- When the Screen Replaces the Parent
- The Playground That Lives in a Screen
- When Learning Takes a Backseat
- When Screens Influence Values
- Online Strangers Are Not Always Safe
- The Privacy Illusion
- It Doesn’t End With Children
- Have We Become Prisoners of the Phone?
From toddlers to teenagers; and even toddlers in high chairs; digital access is no longer a privilege. It’s become a part of daily life. And along with the rise of the internet and social media, the way children interact, learn, play, and think has changed completely.
The Bright Side of the Screen
There’s no doubt that electronic devices have made life easier in many ways. When used wisely, they offer meaningful benefits for children:
- They help improve listening, speaking, and creative skills.
- Certain games can enhance hand–eye coordination and fine motor skills.
- Young children, even in pre-primary age, absorb language and music from carefully curated audio and video content.
- Access to global resources makes learning broader and borderless.
- Online education became a much-needed solution during the pandemic.
In many ways, electronic devices have shrunk the world; allowing children to connect with information, ideas, and people like never before.
But There’s Another Side…
Despite their usefulness, electronic devices come with serious downsides; especially for children and teens. When misused, or overused, they act like a double-edged sword.
The most critical concerns are:
- Excessive screen time
- Inappropriate content exposure
Both can affect a child’s growth on multiple levels; physical, mental, emotional, social, academic, and personal.
When the Screen Replaces the Parent
Often, it starts innocently; and at home.
A child is fed while being shown a phone or tablet.
A parent, tired or busy, hands over a screen to keep the child occupied.
On long journeys, instead of talking or playing together, each family member is glued to their own device.
In time, gadgets become digital babysitters.
But this convenience comes at a cost:
- Loss of real conversation
- Emotional distance within the family
- Loneliness in children
- Weak communication skills
Even at home, families may eat together; but without eye contact. Each person has their own screen, and the warmth of shared time quietly fades away.
The Playground That Lives in a Screen
Instead of playing in open grounds or gardens, many children now stay home playing video games. The content? Often violent, hyperactive, or unrealistic. This affects their ability to process emotions, handle wins and losses, or express themselves in social settings.
- Impulsive behavior, lack of patience, and reduced sensitivity are some common outcomes.
In some cases, without intending to, children may end up viewing sexually inappropriate or violent material, which can be deeply confusing and emotionally damaging; especially for young minds that are not equipped to understand what they’re seeing.
When Learning Takes a Backseat
Excessive screen time can lead to:
- Poor reading habits
- Limited creativity
- Decline in academic performance
- Lack of curiosity and attention span
- Sleep disturbances and sedentary lifestyles
Inactivity can lead to weight gain and health issues, even at a young age.
Children may also begin to develop impulsive spending habits; clicking on in-app purchases, shopping links, or subscription traps without understanding the consequences.
When Screens Influence Values
Online ads are powerful; and often misleading. They can:
- Encourage materialism through exaggerated marketing
- Tempt teens into trying alcohol, tobacco, or unsafe stunts
- Set unrealistic body standards through celebrity and influencer content
Some children may even secretly use family credit or debit cards; often justified by fake excuses like “I need this app for homework.”
Online Strangers Are Not Always Safe
One of the biggest dangers lies in online friendships. A child may accept a friend request from someone they don’t know; and trust them simply based on a profile picture.
That person may be hiding harmful intent.
There have been real instances of children being tricked into unsafe situations; from harassment and exploitation to emotional abuse and worse. Online bullying, trolling, and peer manipulation are common, and the psychological toll is high.
The Privacy Illusion
Children and teens may believe their photos and social posts are private. But in truth, everything shared online can be hacked, leaked, or misused; even by people they know.
This includes:
- Sexy photos shared “just with friends”
- Family travel updates that alert burglars
- Financial scams during online shopping or game payments
Without adult supervision, children are vulnerable to serious digital threats.
It Doesn’t End With Children
While this article focuses on children, the effects of electronic addiction extend to parents too.
- Marriages suffer from reduced connection.
- Online friendships turn into emotional affairs.
- Communication between spouses drops, which deeply affects children.
Even adults feel stressed if their posts don’t get “enough likes” or praise. So imagine the impact on children; who are still developing their self-worth and identity.
This emotional dependence on social media can lead to:
- Anxiety
- Inferiority complex
- Addictive behavior
Have We Become Prisoners of the Phone?
Electronic devices were meant to make life easier; to bring us closer. But in many ways, they have pulled us apart. Instead of using devices as tools, we have allowed them to rule us.
We’ve become prisoners in the cell phone’s cage.
- The phone replaced our watches.
- It replaced our cameras.
- It replaced our landlines and calendars…
But if we’re not careful…
- It may soon replace our relationships, our memories, and our peace of mind.
Before that happens, it’s time to pause… and choose differently.
Disclaimer:
This article reflects the personal observations and insights of the author. It is intended to support mindful parenting and responsible digital use in families. As a publication, Balmurti Online shares this content in the spirit of dialogue and awareness. We may not necessarily endorse all views expressed.
