Parents worry about their children becoming dependent on electronic devices during summer vacation
In the summer days, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Anh (Hanoi) confided that his family is facing the situation of his 8-year-old daughter spending too much time using phones and tablets.
“When at home with grandparents, my child often uses a phone or tablet to watch videos and play games. Some days when I come home from work, I still see my child sitting in front of the screen from morning to afternoon, so I am very worried, although I have tried to spend time with my child, during the day I have to go to work, I really don't know what to do” - Mr. Quoc Anh shared.
According to Mr. Quoc Anh, every time his child is reminded or devices are confiscated, he often becomes irritable, uncomfortable and no longer interested in other activities such as reading or playing outdoors.
Similarly, Ms. Nguyen Minh Anh (Hai Phong) admitted that this year's summer vacation makes it more difficult to manage her 12-year-old son's phone usage time.
I think if I keep using it with such a high frequency, my child may develop a habit of dependence on electronic devices while I don't always have time by my side to control it," Ms. Minh Anh said.
Ms. Minh Anh's son has had nearsightedness from an early age, so she is particularly worried when her child spends too much time on electronic devices. According to her, continuous screen exposure can cause her child's vision to decline and nearsightedness to increase faster.
Electronic devices are not bad, the important thing is how they are used
Psychologist Mai Ngoc Quyen - NHC Vietnam Center for Human Development and Psychology - said that electronic devices are not enemies of children. The important thing lies in the duration, how they are used, as well as the control of each family. When exposed to the screen too much, children may encounter many problems such as reduced concentration, reduced interest in real-life activities, easily irritable when disconnected, sleep disorders and reduced social interaction.
What is more worrying is that children gradually form the habit of seeking emotional release through the screen. When bored, tired or under pressure, children will form the habit of immediately turning to phones and tablets instead of learning how to recognize and adjust their own emotions" - psychologist Mai Ngoc Quyen said. According to experts, if this situation persists, children may have difficulty building patience, self-control ability and adapting to challenges in real life.
Each parent can encourage their children to participate in sports, art, and practical experiences; increase opportunities to meet friends and social interaction; assign children tasks suitable for their age so that they feel valuable," expert Mai Ngoc Quyen emphasized. In particular, parents spending quality time with their children, even just 20-30 minutes a day, also contributes to helping children reduce dependence on electronic devices and increase connection with family.
