While there has been much said or written against alcohol and drug addiction, another highly addictive habit that has spread to homes and families is mobile phone addiction among children and teenagers. Mobile addiction has evoked serious concern as this communication marvel has disconnected communication causing immense potential physical and psychological harm.
A recent survey by the Nagaland State Mental Health Association (NSMHA) found that children between the ages of 13 and 19 in Nagaland spend about 5 to 7 hours a day on their phones, and around three to four hours of that time is spend on social media. The same study showed that 38% of high school students said they check or use their phones during class, and 27% of college students admitted they scroll through social media even while the teachers is teaching.
This shows how big the problem has become. Even schools with strict rules are finding it hard to prevent students from using phones inside classrooms. Some students use smartwatches or hide their phones to keep using them. AS a result, many miss important lessons, fall behind in studies and struggle to focus.
Effect of social media: The more time students spend on phones, the less time they give to their books. The Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) recently reported that students who use phones for more than 4 hours a day are 25% more likely to score below 60% in exam compared to those who use phones for less than 2 hours.
Impact on children: Not only are studies affected, but children are also becoming less active. According to the Northeast Youth Wellness Report by the Centre for Digital Literacy and Ethics (CDLE), more than half of the teenagers in Nagaland said they feel “too tired” to play outside or take part in activities. But the truth is they are staying up late watching videos and chatting.
Dr. Kenei Liegise, a child psychologist in Kohima, explains: “Children now feel excited only when they get likes and views online. They stop trying hard in real life because their happiness depends on their phones.” This laziness becomes a habit. Children may stop putting effort into school, church, family, or even their own goals. Overtime, this attitude can damage their future.
Role of parents: Sadly, many parents are still not aware of how serious this issue is. A 2024 survey by the Dimapur Parent-Teacher Network (DPTN) found that only three out of ten parents regularly check what their children are doing on their phones. Nearly half of the parents said they don’t know how to use parental control settings or check screen time.
Parents must understand that their role is very important. They need to set clear limits on screen time (no more than two hours a day as suggested by experts). They should also maker rules like no phones during meals, bedtime, or study time. Alternately, children and teenagers need to be encouraged to have hobbies like reading, drawing, music, gardening, sports, or volunteering. Also, children need to be made aware between real life and online life.
Most importantly, parents themselves are to show by example by limiting use of mobile phones otherwise it will only cause conflicts. If parents are always on their phones, children will do the same.
Role of schools: Schools must enforce strict rules to discourage mobile phones in class rooms. Apart from banning phones during school hours, institutions need to use workshops and awareness programs to create awareness on how to stay safe online, and how to manage screen time.
Teachers can be trained to spot early signs of addiction or emotional distress in students. Schools should also have counselors or tie up with professionals who can guide students and parents.
Local groups like youth clubs, church fellowships, or community leaders can also help by organizing outdoor events, creative workshops, and awareness campaigns to keep children active and connected to their roots.
Social media is an excellent source of information and communication. It can help children learn new things, stay connected, and express themselves. However, without guidance, control, and awareness, excessive leads to addiction and is harmful.
It is time that parents, teachers and society take proactive steps to prevent a wholesale harmful addiction and save a generation that is active online but inactive in real life. In reality, being smart with phones but weak in values or being busy scrolling but lazy doing nothing invites disastrous consequences.
This calls for a balance between optimum use for good against excessive use that leads to mental and physical harm. Children need care, guidance, attention to learn to develop instead of being stunted mentally with Wi-Fi and phone.