The rise of smartphones has revolutionised how families connect, but a new study by vivo and CyberMedia Research (CMR) has shed light on the darker side of this digital age. The sixth edition of vivo’s Switch Off research study, titled ‘Impact of Smartphones on Parent-Child Relationships,’ reveals alarming findings about how excessive smartphone use is straining familial bonds, especially between parents and children. While children are more aware of the negative impact of smartphones, parents seem to be struggling with balancing their screen time.
Children More Aware of Smartphone Overuse
The study, conducted across eight major Indian cities, discovered that 69% of children and 73% of parents see smartphone overuse as a major source of family conflict. Interestingly, children are more conscious of the harms excessive screen time brings to their mental well-being and social interactions. Over 90% of children expressed a desire to never have some popular social media apps, acknowledging their negative impact on emotional health.
Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy at vivo India, emphasised the importance of fostering meaningful connections in a digital age. “Unmindful smartphone use is creating barriers in relationships. Through our Switch Off campaign, we aim to inspire families to prioritise real-life connections and embrace a healthier relationship with technology,” said Channana.
Smartphones Are Affecting Family Dynamics
A staggering 80% of children reported feeling ignored when their parents spent excessive time on smartphones. These children believe their parents are emotionally unavailable, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and frustration. In many cases, parents spend up to 4-5 hours on their phones daily, which contradicts their criticism of children’s smartphone usage.
Dr Gorav Gupta, Senior Psychiatrist and CEO of Tulasi Healthcare, New Delhi, pointed out that such behaviours cause emotional neglect, affecting children’s mental well-being.
“Excessive smartphone use by parents creates a sense of neglect, impacting the child’s emotional health, self-esteem, and family connection,” explained Dr Gupta.
Smartphone Overuse in Kids: Effects
Children exposed to excessive screen time experience several behavioural changes, according to Dr Gupta:
- Reduced Emotional Accessibility: Children feel their parents are emotionally distant.
- More Screen Time: Parents’ excessive use encourages similar behaviour in children.
- Mental Health Issues: Feelings of neglect lead to lower self-esteem, loneliness, and emotional distress.
Dr Geeta Shroff, Co-Founder of Lighthouse Counselling Centre, also highlighted the impact of smartphones on family dynamics. According to her, children are often left craving more meaningful interactions with their parents, which are lost due to excessive phone usage. She shared insights on how this affects the parent-child bond.
“Children desire meaningful conversations, shared activities, and undivided attention from their parents. Smartphone addiction not only affects relationships but also hinders the emotional development of children," said Dr Shroff. She emphasised the importance of engaging in activities like playing board games, reading together, and having tech-free time to rebuild the emotional connection with children.
5 Tips for Parents to Reduce Smartphone Overuse
To help strike a balance between smartphone use and family time, Dr Shroff suggest the following simple tips:
- Establish Boundaries: Create phone-free zones or times, such as during meals or before bedtime.
- Monitor Your Screen Time: Set an example by limiting your own phone use to encourage your children to do the same.
- Make Time for Family: Dedicate time each day for family activities like playing games, talking, or reading together.
- Use Screen Time Management Apps: Track and limit screen time using apps designed for this purpose.
- Communicate: Listen to your children and make them feel valued by prioritising face-to-face interactions.
Smartphones can be powerful tools for connection and productivity, but excessive use can harm family relationships. As Vivo’s study highlights, both children and parents need to be more mindful of their screen time to ensure meaningful connections.
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Image Courtesy: Freepik
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