As per the sources, the 13-year-old wanted to harm her mother because she snatched her phone and refused to give it back.
“The parents told us that the girl was spending most of her time on mobile phones talking to her online friends and chatting, which impacted her studies and her social behaviour.”
Mobile phones have become an integral part of our daily lives, and teenagers are no exception. While mobile phones have numerous benefits, they can also be addictive and have negative impacts on our health. let’s discuss the impact of mobile addiction on the health of teenagers.
Mental Health
One of the most obvious impacts of mobile addiction is on mental health. Teenagers who are addicted to their phones may experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. This is because excessive phone use can lead to a lack of social interaction and physical activity, which are both important for mental health.
1. Anxiety Disorders: Excessive use of mobile devices can contribute to the development or worsening of anxiety disorders. Constantly checking notifications, social media, or emails can lead to a fear of missing out (FOMO), increased social comparison, and a sense of being overwhelmed by information overload.
2. Depression: Mobile addiction can be linked to an increased risk of depression. Spending excessive time on mobile may lead to social isolation, reduced physical activity, disrupted sleep patterns, and decreased face-to-face social interactions, all of which can contribute to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low mood.
3. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): While mobile addiction does not directly cause ADHD, it can exacerbate symptoms in individuals who already have ADHD. The constant availability of entertainment and distractions on mobile can make it difficult for individuals with ADHD to focus, leading to increased impulsivity and decreased productivity.
Physical health impacts
Teenagers who spend excessive amounts of time on their phones may experience neck and back pain, eye strain, and headaches. This is because prolonged phone use can lead to poor posture and eye strain, which can cause these physical symptoms.
Sleep disorders
The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Engaging in mobile device use before bed can lead to difficulties falling asleep, experiencing poorer sleep quality, and experiencing daytime fatigue and irritability.
Lack of Socialisation
Excessive use of mobile devices can strain personal relationships. Constantly being engrossed in mobile can lead to neglecting or ignoring loved ones, reduced communication and emotional intimacy, and a lack of presence in social interactions. This can result in feelings of disconnection, increased conflict, and a decline in overall relationship satisfaction.
5 simple Tips to cure mobile addiction
1. develop a hobby
2. set boundaries and establish screen-free zones
3. Try cognitive behavioural therapy or mindfulness
4. Delete your most distracting apps
5. Create a plan for your phone use. Limit your cell phone use to certain times of the day
Remember these tips can vary from person to person, It is important to note that mobile addiction can contribute to these mental health issues, individual factors, and pre-existing conditions. Seeking professional help, practising self-care, setting boundaries, and cultivating healthy device habits can be beneficial in mitigating these effects