Ankita Chakraborty: Smartphones have undeniably revolutionized our lives, but the question remains: should we immediately hand them over to our kids, who are busy playing sports or engrossed in books? Sadly, the idea of giving smartphones to kids has become normalized in our society. Children are giving up play time, instead choosing to immerse themselves in mobile games or watching age-inappropriate shows. Their excessive involvement on social media should be of deep concern to parents, but somehow, it has lost its shock value. However, former head of Xiaomi India, Manu Kumar Jain has sounded the alarm, with an important message that deserves our attention. In a thought-provoking LinkedIn post, Jain shares compelling insights that inspire us to reconsider our choices and prioritize our children’s well-being.
Jain is the former head of a smartphone company and when he is warning against the use of smartphones, parents should really pay attention. “Stop giving your kids smartphones”, he began his LinkedIn post with the title.
Sharing insights from a Sapien Labs report, she wrote, “A friend shared this report from Sapien Labs, which links early access to smartphones (and tablets) to young children and their risk of suffering from mental disorders as adults.” highlights a profound connection between an increased likelihood of mental health issues as adults. (b) Men are also not immune, approx. 45-50% of those exposed to smartphones before the age of 10 face similar challenges later in life Is.
Urges parents to resist the temptation of handing smartphones to babies to keep them busy in various situations like crying, mealtimes or while traveling in a car. Instead, he stresses the importance of fostering real-world interactions, encouraging outdoor activities, and getting kids involved in hobbies. According to Jain, such measures can create a healthier and more balanced environment that supports authentic learning and social interaction.
Jain highlights the responsibility of parents to protect the mental health of their children. He cautions against the harmful effects of excessive screen time, especially among young children, emphasizing the value of their precious childhood. Jain emphasizes that it is the duty of the parents to provide the best possible foundation for a bright and healthy future of their children.
Importantly, Jain clarifies that he is not against smartphones or tablets, acknowledging their transformative impact on our lives and the convenience and connectivity they provide. He himself admits to using these devices extensively. However, he stresses caution when it comes to providing them to young children, advocating a thoughtful approach to their use.