When The Screen Becomes A Friend, Recognize How Smartphones Form Children's Psychology

Illustration Of Smartphone Play Children (Campus Production/Pexels)

JAKARTA - Imagine an afternoon in the living room of a toddler sitting quietly with his eyes fixated on the phone screen while swiping at colorful images. That's when you realize that gadgets have become part of a child's life much earlier than ever imagined. However, is this closeness without consequences? In an increasingly digital world, it is important to understand how smartphones affect child psychology and development.

In the 2020 Pew Research Center survey, according to Psych Central, Friday, October 3, it was found that 60 percent of children had been exposed to smartphones before the age of 5 and of them, 31 percent began to be introduced to the device before the age of 2.

This shows that smartphones are now not luxury goods or just for bigger children, but have become an element in the daily life of children from an early age.

Some experts believe that there is a positive possibility in introducing technology to children, such as training technology literacy and providing interactive educational facilities. For example, digital education programs or children's applications can help introduce basic concepts in a fun way. However, like other elements in life, moderation is the key to excessive use or without control can have negative effects.

Baby And Toddler

For very young ages, many are still unknown about the long-term impact of cell phone use. Especially how filters or visual effects can affect a child's self-perceptual.

Children in the early stages of development have not been able to process images on screens more than just color and light. When they see their own photos or videos through the camera, they are not necessarily able to recognize themselves. If added filter effects, there is a possibility that their self-perceptions will become more blurred or distorted.

Elementary School Age

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of limiting screen time, because sitting in front of the screen for too long can interfere with sleep habits and reduce children's physical activity.

In a 2018 study, it was found that the increase in screen time was related to behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, attention disturbances, and self-control problems.

Teenagers

As a teenager, children begin to build self-image, understand social relationships, and find a place in the community. But social media and digital content can create social pressure, self-consuming, and anxiety about the ideal image of life that is curated digitally. On the positive side, smartphones also allow teens to have wider social connections, explore their interests, or become part of social movements and the digital community.

Not a few myths have developed regarding the influence of cell phones on children's physical health, such that radio frequency from smartphones can cause cancer or that their backs will grow 'butted' because they bend constantly. However, scientific evidence does not show a definite relationship between radio frequency exposure from cell phones and cancer.

But the real thing is that exposure to blue light from the screen before bed can suppress melatonin production. So that it interferes with sleep patterns and makes it difficult for children to fall asleep or wake up fresh.

When children and teenagers are exposed to social media content, they don't just see pictures and videos, they see other people's lives looking perfect. The ideal beauty standards, the achievements on display, and life that looks smooth can lead to feelings of lack, anxiety, or even depression. Children may begin to feel that happiness depends on the number of likes'' or digital interactions, not on the quality of real relationships or a sense of healthy self-esteem.

If possible you hold your child from exposure to your smartphone until they are really ready to interpret the digital world, of course that is ideal. But in reality, smartphones have integrated into our lives and children cannot be separated from them.

The best step that parents or caregivers can do is set a reasonable screen time limit. Choosing quality content, and maintaining open communication so that children know that their value and self-esteem does not depend on the number of likes'' or followers.