Electronics Are Bad For Children and Teens

Kim was a sixteen-year-old. She had her entire life ahead of her. She just got her driver’s license and was driving along a crowded highway. Her phone sitting next to her lit up DING! It immediately caught her attention. She reached for the phone because the message she had to send couldn’t wait. Because her attention was on the screen and not the road… Kim lost her life. When the police found her phone the message that she was so eager to send was just a simple “hi”. Electronic use is a very important topic because there are so many bad things that could happen because of electronics such as obesity, unhealthiness, mental health issues, lack of social interaction, disruption in brain development, and sleep issues. Electronics can cause issues as serious as radiation which in the past has led to death! Electronics are bad for children and teens. 

First, electronics give off radiation which can cause various health issues. According to Doctor Nicole Beurkens, “The electromagnetic fields (EMFs) created by these devices can impact health both physically and mentally. This may cause problems for memory, learning, behavior, attention, and physical brain development.” Radiation can cause cancer and many other health issues. Trying to be around screens less is a brilliant idea. 

Next, some video games and apps can cause children to have behavioral and violence issues. According to Verywell Family, “Exposure to violent TV shows, movies, music, and video games can cause children to become desensitized to it. Eventually, they may use violence to solve problems and may imitate what they see on TV, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.” Many parents are noticing changes in behavior and violence levels after playing games and having screen time. Playing less gory games may be a good decision and it will lower those violence levels. 

It may be argued, with electronics children and teens can communicate easier which can help them build better relationships, it isn’t the same as communicating in person. Many children communicate via texting and this may lead to problems in social skills. When someone only communicates using phones they will be less likely to have those social skills and be able to hold a good conversation. Some of the social skills they would lack include making eye contact and body language. With our heads in our phones, we are missing out on interacting with people which could later impact making friends, getting jobs, talking to important people, etc. 

Children and teens should be more aware of the dangers of electronic use. Screens give off radiation which can contribute to major health issues. They can cause them to be violent and have behavioral issues which are never good things. Electronics can cause a lack of social and communication skills. Therefore, I believe putting down your phone, turning off the TV, and taking a break from video games is a good thing to do once in a while.