QUES . Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children. UPSC 2023 GS MAINS PAPER I, 150 words, 10 Marks
HINTS:
In modern society, especially urban society reduced community feeling, nuclear families, working parents,etc. has given rise to lesser attention being paid to a child. All these compels the child to gain attention from mobile phones which is causing serious impacts on the socialization of children .
While the mobile phone itself is not inherently detrimental, its misuse or overuse has implications on the way children are socialised such as –
Overreliance on digital devices for entertainment can hinder a child’s natural creativity . The continuous learning from mobile devices through videos hampers the imaginative abilities of a child. Thus, affecting cognitive skills which are important for both personality development as well as socialisation. Development of emotional intelligence, social awareness, active listening and non-verbal communication which are essential for healthy relationships are compromised.
Smartphone addiction in children develops anxiety, low self-esteem and communication problems. Moreover, the blue light emitted by screens can disrupt a child’s sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and cognitive challenges, impacting their ability to engage effectively in social settings. There are also behavioural problems, addiction, eye problems etc, which hinders socialisation.
Family interactions are essential for instilling values, passing on cultural traditions, and creating a strong support system. Excessive screen time can undermine these. Moreover, less time spent on bonding with real-world friends leads to the breakdown of social relationships and social isolation.
The use of mobile phones creates virtual socialisation instead of physical socialisation, which is very important in the real world.
Despite these negatives mobile phones help in learning new skills such as a new language that can help the child to socialise with wider groups. Moreover mobile phones offers readiness to the child to adapt to the technology driven world.
Thus, mobile phones can offer educational and social benefits when used in moderation. Parental guidance is essential to ensure that their child benefits from phone usage without being hampered by its disadvantages.
