• By Vikas Yadav
  • Sat, 20 May 2023 08:59 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

MANU Kumar Jain, Former Global VP of Xiaomi, via a LinkedIn post, highlighted the potential mental health concerns from smartphone usage among kids. The handheld gadget is among the daily driver for users in India. However, these gadgets (including tablets) should not be handed over to kids for use at a tender age, Jain believes. He cited facts from a report that can prove as an eye-opener for parents in India.

Quoting a study from Sapien Labs, Jain wrote nearly 60-70 per cent of women who were exposed to gadgets like smartphones before they turned 10 are facing mental health problems. On the other hand, 40-50 per cent of men who stumbled upon smartphones at the specified age also experience "similar challenges later in life," he adds.

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"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," the Former CEO of Xiaomi India said.

Jain adds extended screen times among young children can lead to "severe" consequences for mental health. He iterated the responsibility of parents to provide kids with "the best possible foundation" for their future. In the post, the Tech Entrepreneur clarifies he is not refuting the use of gadgets completely. While they have revolutionised communication, caution should be maintained with its use among the young generations.

Meanwhile, phone addiction has become one of the prime issues among kids, especially after the pandemic. Manu Kumar Jain is not the first high-profile individual to voice these concerns. Experts from time to time have iterated the ill effects of smartphone usage on the health of individuals. In today's time, the idea to give away smartphones to kids at a young age is widely prevalent across India. While it is a powerful tool at our fingertips, it accompanies a set of challenges.