Overuse of digital screens Children under five suffer long lasting impact on organs like brain

By Rashida Rehmanjee   

Children under the age of five are seriously vulnerable to be negatively impacted by overuse of digital devices due to their rapid growth, a leading community medicine specialist warned.   
Dr. Inoka Suraweera, a consultant community physician, further said that insults during fundamental stages of growth can lead to long-lasting and negative impacts on vital organs such as the Brain. She informed the media that excessive use of digital screens can adversely impact physical, mental and social wellbeing of young children. She emphasised that significant issues such as vision problems, and musculo-skeletal disorders such as back and neck problems can be caused. She explained that lack of exercise is a consequence of mobile addiction, which can potentially be a risk factor towards non-communicable diseases.   

She stressed that emotional intelligence; especially in young adults, can be severely impacted by the overuse of digital screens. Some symptoms that may be seen range from learning difficulties, difficulty in concentrating, lack creativity and analytical skills and trouble in communicating in relationships. Excessive use of mobiles tends to result in “machine like behaviour”.   
She advised parents that wise usage of mobiles is highly recommended and that they are urged to protect their children from unnecessary exposure to digital screens and mobile phones.   
“Mobile phones are considered to be a major safety hazard,” she said.   

She said that one of the leading causes of road accidents is the use of mobiles whilst driving. A significant number of road accidents occur due to the lack of attention of the driver.   
The international Agency for Research on Cancer recently classified that the radiation that screens produce can possibly be cancer causing. Although, this is not yet conclusive, it is recommended that mobile users take all precautions necessary.