Experts suggest limiting screen time to boost mental development
MANSI BHAMBRI/Dehradun
Many toy shop owners in Dehradun have voiced their worries regarding a decrease in toy sales attributed to the rising prevalence of mobile phone usage among children. They noted that over time, the addiction to mobile devices among children has grown, impacting their businesses. In light of this decline in toy sales, neuropsychologist Dr Sona Kaushal Gupta advised that parents should take measures to limit their children’s exposure to mobile phones, as it can hinder their mental development.
A toy shop owner Shivraj Tandon said that he has been in the toy retail business for quite a while. He observed that toy sales were considerably better in the past compared to the current scenario. He said that the sales at his shop have declined, with only one or two toys being sold each day now. He attributed this downturn in sales to the increased use of mobile phones among children.
“I offer a wide range of toys in my shop, with prices ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 3,000,” said another toy shop owner Prince Dixit.
He said that as time has passed, the number of children using mobile phones has significantly increased. Instead of choosing to play with traditional toys, many children now prefer playing on mobile devices or watching reels. He believes that parents also play a role in contributing to their children’s mobile phone addiction. Dixit said that if the trend of declining toy sales continues, he may consider transitioning to a different business venture. Other toy shopkeepers have shared similar concerns regarding the drop in toy sales.
Commenting on this, Gupta highlighted both the advantages and disadvantages of this shift. She pointed out that while everything has its pros and cons, the decline in toy sales resulting from increased mobile phone usage carries more negative implications. She said that one benefit of mobile phone usage among children is while playing online games, children experience both success and failure, which helps them learn to focus on their goals. However, the negative aspects of substituting toys with mobile phones outweigh these advantages. Gupta said that when children engage with mobile devices, their social interactions with friends and siblings diminish. Further, in addition to gaming, children often distract themselves by watching reels on their phones. With the addiction to mobile phones instead of playing with toys or other, sharing and caring, communication, physical activity and other interactions among children have diminished, she said. She said that, consequently, the engagement in online gaming or watching short videos has impacted memory. To safeguard their children’s mental development from the influence of mobile phones, parents are encouraged to refrain from giving their children these devices. This goal can be achieved when parents also limit their own phone usage in front of their children and promote the use of toys and indoor activities, she added.
