The modern era: Danger to children, challenge for parents

Abstract

Introduction: Children spend on average 2.4 hours per day in front of a screen during a school week and 3 hours per day over the weekend. Regional surveys show that 79% of children under two years of age use a mobile phone, 6% of preschool children have a phone, 4.2% of whom have a phone before the age of four. According to research from the United States, about 72% of children under 6 years of age, know how to use a computer, about 30% do it on average an hour every day, while about 40% of children are introduced to an electronic device at the age of 3. This percentage is constantly increasing. The WHO warns that children under the age of two should not use electronic devices with screens. The question is at what age should children use modern technology and how? Aim: Using clinical examples from mental health practice the aim is to raise awareness about the dangers of the Internet and mobile phones to use at a young age and point to the lack of rules regarding their use in the family. Method: Case studies from the clinical practice showing the dangers of the Internet and mobile phone use at a young age, and pointing to the lack of rules for their use in the family. Conclusion: It is important to raise greater awareness about the dangers of internet use to minimize the exposure of young children and adolescents to asocial and inappropriate content which may be detrimental to their health and, in some instances, life-threatening. The technology and its applications are undeniably important in the education and development of young people, but the risks associated with their use must be pointed out, emphasizing family cohesion as a factor that may reduce exposure to hazardous situations. The negative impact can be prevented by carefully introducing digital technology to children, controlling the use and setting good examples of the appropriate use of these technologies by adults.