Why a former CEO with a smartphone brand is urging parents to stop giving such devices to kids

Talking about the ‘alarming impact of early smartphone and tablet exposure’ in a LinkedIn post, Jain says that the report ‘highlights a deeply concerning correlation between early access to smartphones (& tablets) to young children and the increased likelihood of suffering from mental disorders as adults’. — SILVIA MARKS/dpa

Smartphones have become more than just a communication tool. They are used for entertainment, watching online videos, browsing the Internet and more. From five year old children to young adults and old age people, everyone uses a smartphone.

Now a research by a US-based non-profit organisation Sapien Labs has discovered the psychological effects of using smartphones on children. Citing the same research, former Xiaomi India CEO Manu Kumar Jain is urging parents to not give smartphones to their children.

Talking about the “alarming impact of early smartphone and tablet exposure” in a LinkedIn post, Jain says that the report “highlights a deeply concerning correlation between early access to smartphones (& tablets) to young children and the increased likelihood of suffering from mental disorders as adults”.

In the post, he also shared “shocking” numbers from the study. According to it, 60-70% of women who were exposed to smartphones before the age of 10 are experiencing mental health issues as adults. Similarly, approx. 45-50% of men exposed to smartphones before the age of 10 also face similar challenges later in life.

“I urge parents to resist the temptation of handing over a phone to kids to keep them occupied – when they are crying, or eating food, or are in the car etc. Instead, encourage real-world interactions, some outdoor activities, and/or engage them in hobbies. By doing so, we can create a healthier and more balanced environment that fosters authentic learning and social interactions,” Jain wrote in the post.

Adding further, he said: “As parents, we have a responsibility to protect our children's mental health. Excessive screen time among young children can have severe consequences. Remember, their childhood is precious, and it's our duty to provide them with the best possible foundation for a bright and healthy future.”

Towards the end of the post, Jain clarifies that he is not against smartphones or tablets. “These devices have revolutionised our lives and brought immense convenience and connectivity. I myself use them a lot. However, it’s essential to exercise caution when it comes to giving them to young children,” he wrote. – Mint, New Delhi/Tribune News Service