Rising Smartphone Usage Among J&K Adolescents: A Health Concern?

Samba Times Special

Jan 30: The recently released Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 has highlighted an increasing trend of smartphone usage among adolescents in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), particularly for social media. According to the survey, 79.4 percent of students aged 14-16 years reported using smartphones for social media activities, while only 64 percent used them for educational purposes.

With smartphones becoming an essential part of modern life, their increasing use among teenagers raises concerns about their impact on health—both physical and mental.

Impact on Physical Health

Excessive smartphone use, especially for social media, can lead to several physical health issues among students, including:

• Eye Strain and Vision Problems: Prolonged screen exposure can cause digital eye strain, dry eyes, and blurred vision.
• Sleep Disruptions: Late-night smartphone usage, particularly social media browsing, is linked to poor sleep quality, affecting cognitive function and academic performance.
• Postural Problems: Constant use of smartphones in improper postures can lead to neck pain, backache, and poor spinal health.
• Reduced Physical Activity: Increased screen time reduces outdoor activities, leading to obesity and weaker physical fitness.

Mental Health Concerns

The high percentage of students using smartphones for social media suggests possible mental health challenges, such as:

• Increased Anxiety and Stress: Excessive social media exposure can create unrealistic expectations, leading to stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
• Addiction and Reduced Attention Span: Continuous engagement with social media can lead to smartphone addiction, making it harder for students to focus on studies and real-life interactions.
• Cyberbullying and Privacy Issues: Many adolescents may face cyberbullying, online harassment, or privacy breaches, affecting their mental well-being.

Need for Balance and Digital Awareness

The ASER report also noted that 93.7 percent of adolescents in J&K have a smartphone at home, and 83.9 percent can use it. Additionally, 48.5 percent own their own device, indicating a growing personal dependence on smartphones. While digital access is essential for education, there is a need to promote healthy smartphone habits.

Steps to Mitigate Negative Effects

• Parental Supervision: Parents should encourage a balanced approach by setting screen time limits and monitoring content consumption.
• Educational Awareness: Schools and teachers should educate students about responsible digital usage and its potential risks.
• Encouraging Outdoor Activities: Promoting sports, hobbies, and real-world interactions can help reduce excessive screen dependency.
• Regulated Screen Time for Learning: Encouraging students to use smartphones primarily for educational purposes rather than social media distractions.

Conclusion

Smartphones have become an integral part of students’ lives, but their usage must be monitored and balanced. The ASER 2024 report highlights the urgent need to create awareness about the health risks associated with excessive smartphone use. While technology offers benefits, prioritizing students’ well-being, mental health, and academic focus should be a shared responsibility of parents, educators, and policymakers.