Since the emergence of modern technologies, smartphones have become an indispensable part of people’s lives. Some argue that people, particularly children, spend an excessive amount of time on their devices. This essay will discuss the reasons behind this phenomenon and evaluate whether this is a positive or negative trend.
There are several reasons why some children devote an unreasonable amount of time to using their smartphones. One contributing factor is parental neglect and lack of supervision. Since many parents work long hours, often from 9 to 5 or even overtime, they may not have sufficient time to balance their professional and personal lives. This, in turn, gives children the opportunity to use their phones for playing online video games or chatting with their friends for extended periods. Additionally, children are naturally curious and eager for new experiences. Modern devices, such as smartphones and tablets, conveniently satisfy this need by offering them a chance to escape into the virtual world. However, this intense engagement with smartphones may decrease as they grow older and need to socialize in person at educational institutions and workplaces.
In my view, this development can be seen from both positive and negative perspectives. On the one hand, when children are left unsupervised, they may visit illicit and inappropriate websites containing violent or age-inappropriate content. This exposure can lead to the development of unfavorable characteristics and result in social isolation or alienation. To mitigate these effects, governments and parents must share the responsibility of supervising tech companies and children. Specifically, regulatory bodies should monitor the types of games and applications available to younger audiences, while parents should oversee their children’s smartphone usage. By ensuring safe phone use, children can benefit from modern devices for educational purposes without exposing themselves to the negative aspects of online social networks.
In conclusion, while children’s excessive smartphone usage often stems from parental neglect and curiosity, it can have both positive and negative effects. With proper supervision, smartphones can enhance learning, but without it, they may lead to harmful exposure and isolation. I believe a balanced approach is essential to ensure children benefit from technology while staying protected.