Addiction to gadgets as dangerous as any other for young children

New Delhi: With technology undergoing advancement at a rapid pace, when parents today leave their young ones with a gadget to hold on to, they risk the possibility of turning them into addicts.

Clinical psychologists have researched this subject thoroughly and come out with some unsettling insights.

Gadget addiction, especially in children, causes some common behavioral problems that can be associated with any other addiction. The withdrawal symptoms are quite similar too, establishing excessive use of technology as an addiction.

"Aggression is very common in children suffering from one or the other form of gadget addiction. Modern day science and research in psychology has made inclusions of problems, such as the 'Electronic Screen Syndrome'," a researcher states.

A study titled 'The World Unplugged Project,' involving 1,000 children, shockingly showed withdrawal symptoms in 50 per cent of participants.

The children were asked to account for their feelings while staying without any form of gadget or media for 24 hours.

Many failed to complete the hours without showing any withdrawal symptom, such as restlessness, irritability, loss of appetite, constant fretting etc.

Clinical psychologist Dr Deepali Batra said, "Results of gadget, or 'screen-addiction', are generally known to impact psychological and physiological growth in children. Try to think of the last time your child or someone you know, within four to 14 years, threw a tantrum or got aggressive because restrictions were imposed on internet, video game, gadget access.

"Aggression, restlessness, lack of concentration, irritability, reduced social interactions, are all signs of addiction."

"Children today are smarter and fast learners. They are familiar with gadgets from a very young age, because most parents have more than one. Visually stimulating games, videos, form of media and virtual networks attract children faster," said Dr Nand Kumar, additional professor, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS

"Scientifically, addictive stimulation causes the brain to release dopamine, the happy hormone. Children are easily susceptible to be hooked on games, videos, virtual sharing; thus creating social networks, instead of a group of kids on the field. In children the impact is more visible and profound," he added.

Dr Batra further said that the development of body and mind together is crucial in the early years. Personality development, social skills, communicability, along with healthy physical growth, takes place during this time.

Addiction to technology can deter motor and sensory development by limiting imagination and creativity.

Using gadgets for prolonged hours can cause postural problems as well.

"The connection between gadget addiction and impending psychological problems is imperative. Addiction at a young age can harm overall mental health in a person, and can cause deep-seated psychological problems gradually.

"While the world has come to a new age and technology is helping progress of mankind, it is important and necessary to preserve the natural process of growth," Dr Kumar added.