Technology addiction leads to depression in children

It can be said that with the development of technology, the diseases seen in children have also shifted. Technological devices and the internet, which have become central to human life, affect many areas of life, from the social structure of society and the family to the education system.

In addition to the benefits that technology provides to individuals in many areas, it can lead to a number of emotional and behavioral problems, especially in children. One of these problems is internet addiction in children.

This condition, which manifests as children losing control over their internet and computer usage and beginning to use them excessively, is a very serious problem that needs to be addressed for the child's healthy development and may require psychological treatment.

Health Center Pediatric Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Burak Emre Demir explained the effects of technology use and technology addiction in children.

Specialist Dr. Burak Emre Demir stated that excessive use of technology in children causes depression, anxiety, attachment and learning disorders, attention deficit, delays in understanding, high impulsivity, temper tantrums, autism, bipolar disorder, and psychosis.

In line with the common decisions reached by many international organizations regarding the rapidly increasing childhood technology use, he stated that children between the ages of 0-2 should not be exposed to technology, children between the ages of 3 and 5 should be limited to 1 hour per day, and the 6-18 age groups should be limited to 2 hours per day.

Stating that the usage time of technological devices can be calculated with the age X 10 minutes formula, provided that it does not exceed two hours a day, Demir also pointed out that children and young people who are 4-5 times more involved with technology than these recommendations face serious dangers.

Listing the digital dangers that will emerge with the increase in time spent with technological devices, he said, "Between the ages of 0 and 2, the baby's brain reaches 3 times its size, and this development continues until the age of 21. Brain development is affected by environmental stimuli or the lack thereof. While dealing with technological devices, the child is in front of an inanimate object. They are facing a hard and cold object that does not respond to their speech, gaze, or smile, and does not perceive the communication and interaction messages they send. It lacks the emotional and social stimulation specific to living things."

Noting that moving increases attention and learning ability, he said, "The use of technological devices restricts movement and causes developmental delays. It is associated with the increase in obesity, such as television. Children remain motionless in front of the television and do not expend energy. They consume more food than necessary without realizing it in front of the television, and are negatively affected by advertisements, consuming foods with high calories and low nutritional value, which leads to excess weight in the child."

He also stated that children who watch television until late at night have disrupted sleep rhythms, and that if some parents do not accompany their children during technology use and allow them to use technology in their own rooms, the children's school success is negatively affected and they suffer from sleep deprivation.

Children should spend 80 percent of their free time playing. Chatting within the family can be very fun. Children should be ensured to be with their spouses, friends, and relatives, and opportunities should be given for them to spend enough time with them. Reading books is a very good way to spend free time. Helping with housework, tidying up their room, putting away their toys, and for older children, helping with meals, dishes, and cleaning is necessary not only for spending free time but also for preparing the child for life.

In conclusion, technology is indispensable to our lives. It reflects the realities, difficulties, and fun aspects of life to us. When used correctly, it is a very useful, effective, and indispensable tool in terms of life and family relationships.