SPECIAL REPORT: Silent Epidemic: Children under the crushing weight of screen addiction
By: Raymond Osho
“I feel like I’m losing my children to smart phones. We used to be so close, but now it’s like they’re strangers to me. I try to talk to them about it, but they just shrug me off and say, Mrs Olubunmi Joshua said as she tearfully shared her pitiable experience on the devastating effect of screen addiction on her children.
In an era dominated by smartphones, tablets, and televisions, it’s easy to overlook the subtle yet profound effects of screen addiction on our children.
From decreased attention span and increased aggression to diminished social skills and decreased physical activity, the consequences are multifaceted and alarming.
In this report, Raymond Osho explores the stories of Ogun State’s families struggling with screen addiction, highlighting the need for awareness, education, and community-driven solutions.
As technology advances at an unprecedented pace, a new generation of children is growing up with an unrelenting addiction to screens.
Generation Alpha; children born between 2010 and 2025, spend more time on their tablets and smartphones than on conventional books and other materials.
“I can’t survive without my phone. I need it to play games, watch videos, and chat with my friends. I feel lost without it.”, says an 8-year-old Temiloluwa.
Micheal Adeoye, a primary three pupil said “I cannot stay without watching the television, pressing my mum’s smartphone because I love watching my cartoons and playing games.
On the other hand, 11-year-old Sarah shares a different experience. “I was able to go without screens for a whole year, and it was amazing! I read more books, played outside, and spent quality time with my family. I feel more focused and happy now.”
What Parents Say
As the narrative of screen addiction continues to unfold, it is becoming increasingly evident that children are becoming disconnected from the conventional world, particularly their immediate family.
My interactions with parents have revealed that screen addiction has separated many children from their parents, leading to a decline in meaningful interactions and relationships.
Instead of finding joy and companionship with their family members, many children are now deriving pleasure, confidence, and companionship from their mobile devices. They seem to prefer the virtual world to the real one, and are increasingly distant from their parents and siblings.
“I can’t believe how much my child’s life revolves around screens! They’re constantly glued to their tablet, phone, or laptop. I’ve tried setting limits, but they always seem to find a way to sneak in extra screen time. It’s like they’re addicted!, says Mrs Mary Oba worrly.
Mrs Joy Olude “I remember when my child was younger, we would spend hours playing together, going on walks, and reading books. But now, it’s like they don’t even want to spend time with me anymore. They’d rather stare at a screen than have a conversation with their own parents!
Screen time has not only taken Mrs Bola Oloyede’s children from her, it has also affected their behavior.
“It’s not just the amount of screen time that worries me, it’s the way it’s affecting their behavior. They get irritable and restless when they can’t have their device, and they’re constantly comparing themselves to others on social media. It’s like they’re losing touch with reality!, she said.
Disturbed by the narrative, Adebola Olohunda disclosed “It’s an experience that makes me sad. Seeing my boy becoming addicted to phones, not even television, I mean phones makes me totally unhappy. Sometimes I blame myself for exposing him to this device in the first place because it seems I can’t even control him any longer.
“When he comes back from school, he goes straight for his tablet and begins to play games and watch cartoons”,she further stressed.
Other Parents With Different Experience
Unlike Mrs Mary Oba and Bola Oloyede who lamented the damaging effects of screens on their children, other parents- Mr Bakare Osunmuyiwa and Mrs Tolu Ademola have entirely different experiences.
For Osunmuyiwa “I don’t have a problem with my child’s screen time. In fact, I think it’s helped them in many ways. They’re learning new skills, connecting with friends, and exploring their interests. Of course, I set limits and make sure they’re not spending too much time on screens. But I also trust them to make good choices and use their devices responsibly.”
Mrs Tolu Ademola said “I think the key is finding a balance and being mindful of how screens are affecting our children. I’ve had conversations with my child about the potential risks and we’ve set boundaries together”.
UNESCO’s Report
A UNESCO’s report on technology in education urges countries to carefully consider how technology is used in schools. It emphasises the need for a “human-centered vision” where digital technology serves as a tool rather than taking precedence.
Speaking to UN News, UNESCO’s Manos Antoninis also warned of the danger of data leaks in educational tech, as only 16 percent of countries guarantee data privacy in the classroom, by law.
“We know that vast amounts of data are being used without the appropriate regulation, so this data ends up being used for other non-educational purposes, commercial purposes and that’s of course a violation of rights that needs to be regulated.”
Digital Addiction: A Global Health Problem
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), In many countries, internet addiction has become a serious problem for mental health.
The institutes revealed that almost one-third of university and high school students in Africa are addicted to the internet.
It reports that male students, those from urban areas, and those who use the internet for more than 4 h per day have higher odds of internet addiction. Thus, we recommend that health planners and policymakers pay attention to the use of the internet and internet addiction in Africa.
Factors Predisposing Children To Screen Addiction
The NIN has stated that literature shows that different factors predispose adolescents to internet addiction: including urban residence, presence of internet at home, spending more hours on the internet, using internet for entertainment, pornography and online gaming, and substance use .
The report further stated that even though internet addiction is becoming a global concern, its assessment and criteria to define internet addicts is still a challenge.
Experts Insights
According to a Child Expert, Adeyinka Bosede Olamilekan, statistics has shown that one out of every two teens feels addicted to their smartphones and 60 percent of parents feel their kids are addicted while 77 percent of parents feel their child gets distracted by his/her devices and doesn’t pay attention when they are together at least a few times per week.
Citing a 2010 study, Olamilekan noted that screen time for children at 6 months is associated with less cognitive development by 14 months, adding “the honest truth is that the more time your child spends on watching screens, even if it’s educational content, the less time the child has to relate with objects and experiences within their immediate environment”.
She warned that long screen time reduces attention span, delays language abilities, reduces critical thinking skills, and decreases intrinsic motivation, advising parents to limit screen time to avoid addiction, sleep disruption, weight problem, less social interaction with family and friends and mood swings.
Effects Of Screen Exposure
Another Child Expert, Michael Amarachi Eucharia warns that the downsides of screen exposure in infants and toddlers are better imagined than
experienced.
She also warns against screen exposure among children, naming some of its effects to include eye damage, prompt gratification, screen-induced autism, lack of social skills, inability to assimilate concepts easily, completely dependent on other people, amongst other effects.
Some of the activities children can engage with in place of screen, according to the expert include; foam and water activities, building blocks, peekaboo, molding with either playdough, clay or plasticine, singing and dancing with parents.
Others include; tongue twisters, nature walk, puzzling and call and response.