Digital World's Reach
The digital realm has become an integral part of modern childhood, shaping learning, social interactions, and worldviews alongside traditional educational
tools and entertainment. As internet accessibility expands, so does the concern regarding the content young minds are exposed to and the extent of their engagement. Actor Shilpa Shetty, speaking on Safer Internet Day, shared her perspective not as a celebrity but as a mother, highlighting the dual nature of the internet as a powerful educational and creative platform, while also cautioning about its potential downsides.
Balancing Access, Not Banning
Shilpa Shetty stresses that the solution to children's internet usage isn't prohibition but rather a mindful approach to access and exposure. She advocates for parental supervision, equating it to care rather than control, especially for children up to 16 years old. Open communication is paramount; parents should understand what their children are consuming online and engage in conversations to foster trust and teach them to discern reality from fiction, kindness, and safety. This awareness acts as a protective shield in the algorithm-driven digital landscape.
Screens as Emotional Pacifiers
Dr. Sanjay Kumawat, a consultant psychiatrist, validates Shilpa Shetty's concerns, noting the common clinical observation of parents using phones to pacify restless children. While seemingly convenient, this practice is detrimental as it teaches children to rely on digital distractions for managing boredom or discomfort, potentially impeding their emotional regulation and attention development. The device inadvertently becomes a crutch for coping with negative feelings, which can hinder the natural development of resilience.
Context Over Duration
Beyond the sheer amount of time spent on screens, the quality and context of digital engagement are crucial. Dr. Kumawat explains that unguided scrolling, constant stimulation, and premature exposure to social media can contribute to heightened anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, and a diminished tolerance for frustration. Childhood is a critical period for developing resilience, and if every challenging or boring moment is cushioned by digital escape, the essential skill of sitting with discomfort begins to erode.
Why Force Backfires
Abruptly confiscating devices when usage seems excessive often proves counterproductive, as children may perceive it as a violation of their personal space or identity, leading to defiance and withdrawal. Dr. Kumawat advises a more empathetic approach, involving gradual boundary setting coupled with clear explanations. Children are more likely to adhere to limits when they understand the reasoning behind them, fostering a sense of partnership in managing their digital lives rather than experiencing it as an imposition.
Raising Resilient Digital Citizens
The conversation has shifted from whether children should use the internet to how they can use it safely and constructively, with guidance. Shilpa Shetty's message underscores the need for informed parenting, emotional support, and responsible digital exposure to cultivate mentally resilient children. This approach involves conscious parental involvement, focusing on presence and guidance over complete restriction or passive overindulgence, which is essential in today's screen-saturated world.
