The dangers of smart devices for children: a health and behavioral gap
Recent medical reports, based on what a specialist consultant told Al-Youm newspaper, confirmed that the increasing and excessive reliance on smart devices has created a deep and clear gap in the health and behavioral aspects of children, leading to a noticeable decline in their engagement in interactive and physical activities, which are a fundamental pillar of healthy growth.
The health gap: the silent danger
Doctors and specialists point out that this "gap" is no longer just a theoretical term, but has become a tangible reality reflected in rising obesity rates among children and adolescents. Historically, physical play outdoors was the primary way for children to expend energy and build muscle mass, but with screens replacing playgrounds, the daily rate of calorie burning has decreased. Furthermore, these devices have caused increasing vision problems such as digital eye strain and myopia, not to mention sleep disturbances resulting from exposure to blue light, which negatively impacts growth hormone levels and academic concentration.
Behavioral and psychological effects
On a behavioral level, immersion in the virtual world has led to the child's isolation from their social environment. Psychological studies show that direct, face-to-face interaction is what teaches children skills such as reading body language, empathy, and negotiating with their peers. The absence of these skills creates a generation that struggles with real-life social interaction and may be prone to introversion or aggression as a result of exposure to violent content in video games.
Global and local context
This issue is not merely a local concern; it is a global crisis that has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to issue strict guidelines regarding screen time for children under five. Locally, Saudi Arabia is giving this matter significant attention within the framework of its Vision 2030 and Quality of Life Program, which aims to promote healthy lifestyles and encourage physical activity and community engagement to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
The need to restore balance
Experts emphasize that the solution does not lie in completely banning technology, but rather in regulating its use and bridging the gap by integrating children into real interactive activities, such as team sports, arts and crafts, and family trips, to ensure balanced growth that combines digital-age skills with sound physical and mental health.
