Early Smartphone use linked to poorer mental health in young adults: Study
A recent research study, published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, found that individuals who received smartphones before the age of 13 reported poorer mental health outcomes in early adulthood.
One of the study’s lead authors, Tara Thiagarajan informed in a report by ABC News, “The younger the child gets a smartphone, the more exposure to all this impacts them psychologically and shapes the way they think and view the world.
The study analysed responses from over 100,000 individuals aged 18 to 24, who answered questions related to their mental health, including experiences of aggression, detachment, hallucinations and suicidal thoughts.
Girls who had access to smartphones at ages 5 or 6 reported higher levels of suicidal thoughts, with 48% acknowledging severe ideation, compared to 28% among those who received phones at age 13 or later.31% of boys who used phones early in their lives had these thoughts, compared to 20% of those who received phones later. The report also mentions that early phone access can result in lower self-worth, reduced emotional resilience in girls and would decreased empathy and emotional stability in boys.
Experts involved in the study cited the heightened social media use, cyberbullying, disrupted sleep patterns and strained family relationships as contributing factors, urging parents to delay smartphone access until children are at least 14 years old and advised them to engage in discussions around responsible digital behaviour.
In guidance shared by the American Academy of Pediatrics, families are encouraged to adopt a framework known as the “5 C’s” to manage children’s media use: understanding the Child, assessing Content, fostering Calm, avoiding Crowding out other activities and maintaining open Communication.
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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
