Seeing teens standing together, but totally ignoring each other is a common sight these days. According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 78% teens aged between 12 and 17 have mobile phones. And they are not just using it to call their parents. One in four teens have access to the internet, far more than adults. So is cell phone really a good thing for teens? What are the negative effects of cell phones on teenagers? Read on to find the answer.
There is no doubt that the mobile phone is a very useful tool and today, mobile phones are a major part of society. . It eases communication with colleagues, friends and relatives. But every technology that provides such benefits comes with a consequent price. The impact of mobile phones on youth and society is astronomical. It is this area that requires attention, when you are giving your teen a cell phone. Here’s how cell phones affect teenagers.
1.Teen Tendonitis (TTT):
What is the impact of mobile phones on young people’s social life? Teenagers are totally addicted to texting. Excess messaging can lead to Teen Tendonitis (TTT). It can cause pain in the hands, back and neck due to poor posture. It can also lead to impaired vision and even arthritis down the line.
2. Stress:
Having a cell phone will tempt your teen to spend all day talking or texting, instead of doing anything productive. Studies have proven that teens who spend too much of their time with their cell phones are more prone to stress and fatigue. It can also lead to psychological disorders in some cases.
3. Sleep Loss:
Most
of the teens keep their cell phones nearby while sleeping to respond to
texts and calls. They feel pressurized to remain reachable around the
clock. It leads to sleep interruption and disruption. Teens also become
irritable when they are sleep deprived.4. Accidents:
Teens are more likely to respond to calls, text while driving, and
riding than adults. They talk and text on the phone without realizing
that it can cost their lives. Even the U.S. Government Website for
Distracted Driving has proven that traffic crashes are the leading cause
of death in teens.
5. Increases Anxiety:
Relying on texting as a primary mode of communication can increase anxiety in teens. Texting is instantly gratifying, but it also produces anxiety. The instant reply by the friend can bring joy and elation. But in case of delayed response or no response, this same pleasure turns into disappointment.6. Risk Of Cancer:
Research shows that electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones get absorbed in the tissues when we hold the phone for longer times. The nervous systems of teens are still developing and have a greater risk of developing brain cancer from cell phones than adults.7. Cyber Bullying:
According to a poll conducted by Fight Crime Invest in Kids, nearly one-third of the teens are victims of cyber bullying. And almost half of the victims do not know the identity of the perpetrators.Cell Phone Safety For Teens:
Cell phones are not going anywhere, at least no anytime soon. So you need to teach your teens about mobile phone safety and to use it responsibly. They also need to have agreed boundaries for mobile phone usage. Here are some ways to avoid negative effects of cellphones on teenagers:- Negotiate with your teen what should be the acceptable amount of time and money spent on cell phones.
- Tell him/her to curb his/her impulse of replying to the text.
- Turning off the cell phone while driving is the best option.
- Turning off the cellphone before going off to sleep will help maintain a regular sleep schedule.
- Teach your teen that short to moderate conversations on cellphones can reduce the possibility of cancer. Limit the conversation to not more than 20 minutes a day.
- Opt for a monthly plan that gives a structure for how many call minutes and text messages are available. If you are paying the bill, then you can also have access to the mobile phone records, which will help you track how often your teen calls and sends messages and to what numbers.
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