Too much use of gadgets can lead to chronic back pain, anxiety, stress and depression apart from obesity in young children
With time, the advancements in the fields of science and technology have transformed the lives of people and have even helped evolve with them. From seamless travelling be it by road, rail or air to getting connected with excessive availability of internet-based applications such as WhatsApp, Line, Zoom, Google Chat, Slack and many more, the world of work has changed drastically. Thanks to technology, we have contributed a lot to helping mankind live a life of convenience and luxury. However, as the old proverb says, ‘excess of everything is bad’, the same holds in the field of technology. The rapid development in the field of technology especially the latest gadgets has made an individual foolishly dependent on it so much that even if someone wants to come out of this madness one won’t be able to get out of it.
Today, technology has brought about more inactive modes of transit, causing an increase in sedentary jobs and developing activities that can be done while sitting at home or remotely. The employers can get connected with employees or employees can get connected with other employees without being physically present in the office or operating completely from the other side of the world. Obesity which was once considered to be one of the problems in wealthy nations is now shifting to low- and middle-income countries where physical activities once played a major role. As per the latest National Family Health Survey data, the prevalence of obesity among Indians increased in 2019-2021 as compared to 2015-2016. Nearly one in four people are overweight as compared to one in five persons previously which is one of the major concerns for Indians. However, what worries is the rise of obesity cases among teens particularly in modern societies who prefer digital entertainment over their engagement in physical and outdoor activities.
According to a research study, teens who spend more hours a day on smartphones, tablets, or computers are likely to attract more unhealthy habits that can even last a lifetime as compared to those who don’t spend as much time on these electronic devices.
In a recent study, it was also found that after the pandemic, when the economy started to stabilise followed by schools resuming normal mode, what troubled was the young children having low levels of energy, shortness of breath during their physical education class, muscle and joint pain due to excessive weight gain resulting in low self-esteem and social isolation. On further investigation, it was found that the major cause for all this was lack of physical activity and negligence to traditional food at home.
Parents and guardians need to understand that too much screen time disturbs the sleep pattern of a child. At times it even leads to chronic neck and back pain resulting in anxiety, stress and even depression at such a young age.
However, if proper steps are incorporated such as reducing the screen time to an hour or two; indulging in more physical activities such as doing exercises, and playing outdoor sports; choosing healthier food and beverages over unhealthy options; spending more time with family members in terms of short picnics and healthy talks will prevent and maintain a healthy environment and weight, thereby reducing the risk of obesity and increased levels of strength and energy to accomplish other tasks.
Since it’s not easy to reverse the lifestyle completely, a bit-by-bit approach will help in overcoming the obesity epidemic in the digitally advanced era.
(The author is a teacher at a reputed school in Delhi)