Protect Your Children from Smartphones and Social Media

By Dr. Jonathan - Family Medical Practice Vietnam

Smartphones and Social media have been associated with serious developmental, behavioral, and psychological disorders in children.

Dr. Jonathan from FMP has provided an insightful list of recommended actions for parents to protect their kids from the negative effects of smart devices and ensure healthy development for them.

Despite the undeniable benefits that technology has brought, smartphones and social media have been detrimental to the well-being and development of our young generation.

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH OF YOUR CHILDREN ARE AT RISK

The use of smartphones and social media has been strongly associated with the dramatic rise in serious developmental, behavioral, and psychological disorders in children and adolescents. ADHD, aggressive and impulsive behavior, learning difficulties, sleeping disorders and sleep deprivation, feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, anxiety, depression, and even a rise in suicide attempts have all been significantly affected by this pervasive technology.

The use of smartphones and social media is as addictive as drug use! The tech companies know that and purposefully design their algorithms to manipulate and capture children's and adolescents' attention to continuously use them and increase their profits at the expense of their physical and mental health!

PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN

A panel of experts of pediatric neurologists and psychiatrists in France have researched the effects of smartphones and social media use and have submitted their recommendations and guidelines to protect our children against their detrimental effects on our young ones. Dr. Jonathan Halevy, our Head of Pediatrics at Family Medical Practice, has reviewed the following recommendations of the panel:

• Children under three should have no exposure to screens – television included – and no child should have a phone before the age of 11.
• For children up to the age of six, screens of all kinds should be “strongly limited” and only very rarely used for educational content when sitting with an adult.
• Screens should be banned from nursery schools for children under six. In primary schools, children should not be provided individual tablets or digital devices to work on, unless it is for a specific disability.
• Any phone given to a child aged between 11 and 13 should be a handset without access to the internet. The minimum age at which they should be allowed a smartphone connected to the internet is 13.
• Children should not be allowed to use smartphones until they are 13 and should be banned from accessing conventional social media such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat until they are 18.

The panel went on to emphasize that parents themselves are also the victims of addiction to smartphone and social media use and should be guided as well to reduce their own use. Parents should put away their phones (e.g. in a box or a drawer) and turn off the TV when spending time and interacting with their children, and give all their attention to their child.

As a father of a 9-year-old daughter Dr Jonathan acknowledges that it may be hard to limit a child's use of smartphones, tablets, or social media, but it is an absolute must! As a parent, you need to be strong and consistent to ensure your child’s happiness, and physical and mental well-being!

Dr. Jonathan Halevy is a pediatrician with extensive international training and experience. A graduate of Tel Aviv University’s prestigious Sackler School of Medicine, he has developed deep expertise in caring for children’s health across a wide range of pediatric conditions. Dr. Halevy provides comprehensive pediatric consultations, preventive care, and guidance to support children’s growth and wellbeing. He is known for engaging with parents through educational talks and resources to help families make informed health decisions for their children.

FMP Healthcare Group operates medical centres in major cities including HCMC, Ha Noi and Đa Nang, offering consultations with international doctors, check-up centres and emergency ambulance services.

Visit FMP Diamond Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City to consult with Dr. Jonathan Halevy.

To book an appointment, please call 028) 3822 7848 (FMP - Diamond Plaza) email hcmc@vietnammedicalpractice.com