In today's world, social media has become an essential component of our lives, akin to basic human needs. Both children and adults rely on digital devices and the social realm they facilitate. Within this virtual domain, content creators occupy a social space, capturing the attention of children as their audience, while adults observe with a mix of curiosity and concern. But what factors entice children into this digital realm, and what solutions should parents seek?
Human social and psychological development can be categorised into certain stages. Each stage represents a milestone, marking mental, physical, and social growth. An individual becomes a mature citizen only when they successfully complete each developmental phase.
In the past, children acquired the intellectual and social knowledge they needed within the context of joint family systems prevalent in our countries. In those days, when technology and social media were yet to emerge, the wisdom imparted by elders and the narratives of old held tremendous value, enabling children to mature and grow. However, in modern nuclear family systems, parents find themselves constantly engrossed in the digital world due to work obligations, leaving less time for their children. In financially privileged households, digital devices are indiscriminately provided to children of all ages to maintain peace and uninterrupted workflow, leading to the formation of digital habits among children. In essence, parents are inadvertently preparing their children to face the future possibilities of social media and digital gadgets. It is crucial to adapt parenting approaches to safeguard the well-being of our future generations.
The family unit serves as the fundamental and primary element of social life. Just as a plant thrives in a nurturing environment, an individual's journey toward becoming a conscientious student and citizen necessitates a favorable social environment. The family environment plays a pivotal role in shaping a person's social identity, and it is precisely within the realm of social media and digital usage that this role must be fulfilled.
By comprehending the impact of social media on students, we can devise effective Social media presents a multitude of challenges, encompassing physical, mental, and social realms, stemming from excessive usage. Prolonged screen exposure at night gives rise to severe issues, leading to sleep deprivation and sleep-related disorders among schoolchildren. Daytime usage contributes to depleted energy, impaired memory, and diminished cognitive abilities. Furthermore, it culminates in elevated blood pressure, dietary ailments, mental stress, and other consequences. The impact of social media on students' educational and social spheres cannot be overlooked, as it saps their enthusiasm for learning.
The daily immersion in social media engenders behavioral disorders and addiction, eroding students' ability to concentrate on a single task. Mental afflictions such as memory lapses, heightened stress, anxiety, and a lack of resilience in the face of life's challenges plague them.
Instead of lamenting and seeking solutions after the situation has spiraled out of control, it is imperative to establish limitations from the outset. Teachers and parents should instill awareness in children from an early age, educating them about the potential problems associated with social media and digital devices. Parents must prioritize spending at least two hours daily engaging and bonding with their children, encouraging them to detach from mobile phones and explore the world together.
Parents should strive to foster a friendship-like bond with their children, envisioning a shared future and assisting them in achieving their life goals. Children should be accompanied and supported as much as possible when venturing out alone for travel or work. Involving them in student organizations, clubs, bookstores, and fraternities and encouraging creative pursuits will empower them to utilize their time productively. Students affected by constant social media exposure should receive timely psychological treatment and counseling. Embracing the notion that children are our collective responsibility, seeking guidance from psychologists should never be hindered.
It is essential to impart not only academic knowledge to students but also humane values such as social interaction and compassion for others. The virtues of unity, reciprocity, and social engagement that thrived in our social environment should be instilled in the younger generation. Collaborative efforts are indispensable in nurturing a new generation that contributes to society and the nation, rather than becoming an isolated and apathetic cohort.
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