New Delhi, May 13: In today’s digital age, mobile phones have become an essential part of life, but the challenge arises when children and young people become engrossed in them at a young age. The harsh reality is that separating children from their phones has become increasingly difficult. They often spend hours scrolling through social media, and this is no coincidence. Social media apps are deliberately designed to keep children engaged.
According to Dr. Jacqueline Nesi, a digital parenting expert from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), social media companies employ various features to keep both children and adults glued to their screens. Common tactics include infinite scrolling, which provides a never-ending feed, auto-play for videos, and features that count notifications, likes, views, and streaks. These elements encourage children to repeatedly open the apps, often losing track of time.
Experts explain that social media algorithms work cleverly by analyzing which videos users watch for longer periods and which posts they engage with. The goal is simple: the more time users spend on the platform, the better it is for the company. However, these algorithms are not designed with children’s well-being in mind; rather, they aim to increase user engagement.
So why do children become more entrapped in this cycle? Experts note that children’s brains are still developing, and they often lack the ability to self-regulate. They are particularly sensitive to social rewards like likes and comments. If friends are interacting on social media and a child feels excluded, they may experience loneliness, making it harder for them to disengage from the apps.
The impact on mental health can be profound. The effects of social media vary from child to child. Some emotionally sensitive children may suffer more, while others can use it positively with proper guidance. However, the biggest concern is that social media often replaces sleep, physical activity, academic focus, and real-life relationships.
If a child is unable to sleep due to social media, neglecting homework, spending less time with family, or not paying attention in school, it raises alarms.
Dr. Nesi offers three key suggestions for parents: First, communicate openly—ask children without scolding why they enjoy spending so much time on social media and explain the design tricks of these apps. Second, set boundaries—establish screen time limits and prioritize family time. Third, be a role model—demonstrate balanced phone usage yourself.
Experts believe that social media is not entirely negative, but it is crucial to monitor its use. Parents should take an active role to ensure their children lead healthy and balanced lives.
My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.