77% find smart devices affecting kids’ behaviour

sharjah — Even as majority of residents rely on smart devices for every day needs, 77 per cent of them believe that excessive use of these devices are harming their children’s health, finds a survey.

Preliminary findings of the study, which shed light on the dangers of excessive use of technology, has also revealed parents saying ‘big no’ to smart devices for their children. In the survey conducted by the health promotion department at the Sharjah Supreme Council of Family Affairs, 77 per cent parents blamed behavioural and social disorders in their children to technology and 90 per cent do not want their children under the age of six to use any smart devices.

More than 1,000 male and female parents in Sharjah took part in the survey and the preliminary findings were unveiled during an educational seminar organised by the health promotion department at the University Hospital Sharjah on Wednesday.

The study also found that 32 per cent of children suffer from vision problems due to excessive use of electronic devices. The parents — 13 per cent — indicated that their children suffered from decreased concentration, and 9 per cent indicated that the negative impact of electronic devices led to children being obese and overweight. In terms of the impact on parents, 16 per cent admitted they had pain or vision problems, while 15 per cent of them reported back and joint pain.

Interestingly, 81 per cent of respondents wanted to know more about the negative effects of technological devices on their health and lives, and 31 per cent preferred social media networking sites as a means of raising awareness about this issue. The study will continue until it is completed, after which the final results will be announced.

Seminar for a healthy life

The seminar also launched a campaign “A Moment ... Towards a Healthy Life” which is aimed at raising awareness among the community about the dangers of the excessive use of technological devices and their negative impact on their health. The campaign lasts a full month and includes many events, including an online awareness campaign on all social networking sites.

“The use of technological devices, especially smartphones and laptops, has become a reality,” said Iman Rashid Saif, director of the health promotion department. ”Therefore, this awareness campaign is aimed at focusing on the dangers of overusing these devices, and its effects not just on physical health, but also on mental health, social life, and all other aspects of life.”

reporters@khaleejtimes.com