Tribune News Network
Doha
Have you ever wondered why childhood memories feel so nostalgic? The smell of food on the stove after school, long talks with your parents about your day, and playing football in the neighbourhood. Where have those moments gone—the ones that let our imaginations run wild? Back then, digital technology was less widespread; most of us didn’t have smartphones to distract us.
But in today’s world, it’s common for parents to give smart devices to their children while they manage daily tasks and activities. These devices offer a temporary solution and a short break from parenting demands. And while this may work now, it raises questions about the long-term impact of excessive technology use on children’s development and concentration.
A recent study conducted by Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), highlighted the strong connection between family environment and the overuse of technology. Researchers found that parents are unwittingly contributing to this phenomenon by giving their children smartphones when they get busy – often without proper supervision.
Fatima Al-Mutawa, a research and grant specialist at DIFI, says: “Family’s neglect and lack of interaction with children lead to children’s excessive and widespread use of digital technology. They have become socially isolated from family gatherings.”
With the widespread use of electronic devices in today’s world, technology has become a substitute for caregivers, enabling parents to rely on apps and smart devices that are often equipped with fun games, bright colours, and loud sounds to keep children occupied. These tools do also offer accessible educational and interactive experiences; however, an overreliance on technology can also cause long-term problems.
Excessive screen time can negatively impact children’s physical health and limit social interactions crucial for their cognitive and emotional growth. For this reason, technology should be integrated as a carefully managed tool rather than a mere pastime.
Parents play a significant role in fostering open communication about the risks and benefits of technology and providing the emotional support needed to lessen a child’s dependence on digital interactions. Al-Mutawaa says: “Lack of parental supervision over children and their reliance on technology as a babysitter significantly impacts its use.
“It’s important to maintain constant communication between parents and their children regarding the overuse of technology to avoid creating social isolation from the world around them. The serious consequences that weaken children’s concentration and memory due to excessive use of technology cannot be overlooked.
“When children have their phones confiscated as a form of punishment, this negatively affect a child’s behaviour, sleep and physical health, and can lead to persistent anger and fits of violence; not to mention poor academic performance. It can also increase a child’s attachment to their devices, especially if a lack of communication is the root cause.”
When it comes to surrendering devices, Al-Mutawaa urges parents to implement a range of practices to avoid any negative repercussions, saying: “Parents should provide alternative activities to technology, such as sports, setting clear rules regarding the number of hours allowed for digital device use, and allocating more family time to keep children away from screens.”
