Imagine your own childhood, playing outside with friends until the streetlights came on, engaging in imaginative play, helping your mother in cooking, or going to relative house and playing hide-and-seek. Now contrast that with the average day of a child today who might spend hours on and scrolling through social media or playing games on a smartphone or tablet. This shift has significant implication.

Numerous studies suggest a strong link between heavy social media use and increased rates of mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Smartphones are known to fragment attention, pulling children away from real-world interactions and experiences.

Psychological Effect of Gadgets on Preschooler:

• Concentration Problem
• Social Isolation
• Negative Impact on Relationship with Parents
• Anxiety
• Living in a Virtual world
• Poor Scholastic Performance

INTERNET ADDICTION DISORDER SYMPTOMS:

Technology Use Guidelines for Children:

Practical Advice for Parents and Educators:

3 M's of parenting involvement

Modelling

• No technology while driving
• No technology at dinner table
• No technology while interacting with family or socializing

Monitoring

• Parents should know what children are doing online
• Set limits and monitor device usage
• Lights off, technology out. Consider placing devices at a central place at night

Mentoring

• Parents should not be engaged in their digital world
• Build interests that are not digital
• Create a robust offline environment for children
• Help children structure their daily routines

More engaging alternatives:

• Outdoor play: Running, cycling, swimming, playing the park
• Nature Exploration: Nature walks, pot a plant, gardening, bird watching
• Music: Introduce your child to various musical instruments, have family music nights, singing along to favourite rhymes and songs
• Pretend Play: Imaginative play by building forts, putting on skits or talent shows
• Creative Arts: Finger painting, crafts, drawing, colouring, painting, clay modelling
• Sensory Play: Playing with sand, water, playdough
• Story time: Make a habit of reading your child a book at bedtime
• Social Play: Playdates, group games and consider getting a pet if your family circumstances allow

Conclusion:

The evidence is clear, technology and social media are having a profound impact on our pre-schoolers’ mental health. While the digital world offers many benefits, it is crucial to find a balance that prioritizes our kids’ overall wellbeing.

Talk to your children about the impact of social media and screen time on their well-being. Make it a regular discussion topic and encourage them to share their feelings and experiences.