Does your child's phone make them sick?

Technology has become a constant companion in our lives, and this is even more true for the younger generation. Children are growing up surrounded by screens - from smart phones and tablets to laptops and TVs.

This constant engagement with digital technology is a growing source of concern with significant implications for children's health and development. The term "mobile phone addiction" may sound extreme, but the reality is that this modern phenomenon is silently weaving its web around children, disrupting their physical health, mental well-being, and overall developmental trajectory.

A recent study published in the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US finds an alarming link between mobile device addiction and its negative impact on children's health.

According to the study, mobile phone addiction, defined as excessive or poorly controlled behaviour, thinking or urges on the phone, results in discomfort and functional impairment in various areas of life. The main victim of this addiction is physical health, with reduced physical activity noted as a major consequence. In short, the more addicted children are to their phones, the less likely they are to engage in physical activities.

Lack of physical activity can lead to various health problems in children, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and mental health problems as there is a link between increased screen time on mobile devices and an increase in depression symptoms and suicide-related conditions. It can also cause sleep disturbance and affect their academic performance and social skills, thus hindering their overall development.

What can we do to help?

The first step is to recognise the problem, explains Alžbeta Kovaľová, a partner in ESET's digital safety awareness platform for parents and children SaferKidsOnline. Understanding the negative impact of mobile phone addiction on children's mental and physical health is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat it. We also need to educate our children about the dangers of excessive use of mobile devices and promote healthier alternatives, such as playing outdoors, reading and hobbies that promote creativity and critical thinking, Kovaľová advises.

Setting limits is another important aspect. Implementing phone-free zones and hours, encouraging device-free meals and limiting phone use can help reduce screen time and improve a child's overall health.

Teachers can also play a key role by integrating physical activities into the school curriculum and promoting a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Schools can also provide workshops and seminars for students and parents, discussing the dangers of mobile device addiction and how to deal with it.

Practical tips from ESET's SaferKidsOnline team

• Create a plan for using electronic devices: This plan can include setting limits on daily screen time, setting zones and hours without a phone, and making decisions about appropriate content,
• Encourage healthy habits: Promote physical activities, outdoor play, and hobbies that do not involve electronic devices,
• Set a good example: Parents should also limit the use of mobile devices by demonstrating a balanced approach to technology,
• Keep appliances away from the dining table: Make meals a mobile device-free zone, encouraging conversations and interactions,
• Encourage conversations, conversations, and conversations that encourage conversations and conversations between friends and family: Avoid phone use an hour before bedtime to ensure your child gets a good night's sleep.