Consequences of using electronic devices on teenagers

Technology is fundamental to our lives. We depend on a number of gadgets for our daily work. It has been observed that an average teenager spends about eight hours in front of the television, which makes it clear that how much of their time is wasted while being plugged in. Read this article to know more about the problems associated with the overuse of gadgets on teens.

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The risk of increased obesity:

Spending too much time with the electronic gadgets makes a person inactive, which further leads to increased obesity and even heart disorders. These overweight teenagers are likely to develop as overweight adults, and this further makes them more susceptible to chronic health conditions like heart disorders, diabetes and arthritis. If you are successful in giving just thirty minutes to your physical exercise daily, these risk factors can be reduced remarkably.

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Increased aggression:

A study from the Palo Alto Foundation shows that the children who spend most of their time playing or watching violent television or video games are likely to grow more aggressive. Such children are generally observed to fight with their elders, quarrel with their friends and teachers and thus develop an aggressive behavior.

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Sleep associated problems:

Having electronic devices in your teenager child’s bedroom may adversely affect his normal sleeping routine. TeensHealth.org explains the harmful effects of late night messages, phone calls and emails even if the child is not reading them. You should try to inculcate in your child, the habit of switching off his laptop or mobile before going to sleep.

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Potential Mental Health Problems:

If a teenager spends majority of his time playing computer games or in front of the television, he might suffer from elevated depression levels. This could make them more inclined to the social as well as mental problems. According to researcher Douglas A Gentile, teens who suffer from mental and emotional issues are likely to get addicted to video games as these may act as a source of relief for them. Gentile studies the relation between video games and depression and is an associate professor of psychology at Iowa State University.

Summary:

Parents should responsibly limit the time their child devotes to playing video games. This will help to keep the child away from getting isolated and depressed. Giving your child a relaxing book to read before going to bed is a good idea to keep him away from the remote.

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