Bringing her child from Tay Ninh to Children's Hospital 2 (HCMC) for examination, the family of baby H.K. T. (8 years old) said that the child cannot sit still waiting for examination without using a phone. Because the family is busy with business, from a young age, the baby is often shown a phone or TV to be more obedient.
In the past two years, children have often been irritable, screaming and reacting violently when restricted from using phones. Worried about abnormal manifestations, the family took the child to the hospital for examination. Through examination, doctors determined that the child had language disorders and signs of autism, requiring early intervention and treatment.
According to BS.CKII Nguyen Thanh Sang - Head of the Interdisciplinary Department of Clinical Psychology - Rehabilitation - Traditional Medicine, Children's Hospital 2, more and more children are affected by the development process due to excessive use of electronic devices.
Dr. Sang said that dependence on TVs and smartphones not only has immediate impacts but also leaves many long-term consequences for children's mental health and learning ability. The reality at the hospital shows that the number of pediatric patients coming for examination due to problems related to electronic devices is increasing.
One of the most common manifestations is slow speech. According to Dr. Sang, when spending too much time in front of the screen, children tend to reduce interaction with relatives and those around them. This limits the process of language development, making it difficult for children to communicate.
In addition, many children also experience sleep disorders, reduced concentration, reduced knowledge absorption and decline in academic results. Some cases have manifestations of behavioral disorders due to the formation of habits to meet the needs of using electronic devices from a young age.
According to Dr. Sang, if detected and intervened early, especially in cases of simple speech delays, the treatment process is usually not too complicated and can bring positive results.
Conversely, when not intervened in time, children are at risk of facing many prolonged consequences such as vision impairment, lack of social skills, difficulty integrating with friends, and even appearing psychology of being bored with studying, avoiding school, affecting the process of formation and development of personality.
Faced with this situation, BS.CKII Nguyen Thanh Sang recommends that parents gradually reduce and strictly control the time children use electronic devices. Instead of letting children be too exposed to screens, parents should spend time chatting, playing and creating a positive communication environment for their children.
In addition, the coordination between family and school plays an important role in helping children participate in collective activities, physical activities and strengthen communication with friends. These are necessary factors to develop social skills, support children's comprehensive and sustainable development.
