Excess use of digital devices by children makes them suffer from autism: Dr Sushil

Srinagar: The excess use of digital devices by the children makes them suffer from autism and attention disorder, leading neurologist Dr Sushil Razdan said here on Saturday.

Razdan revealed this during the second interaction of program ‘Common Interest Conversations’ on the topic of Digital Addiction ‘An Invisible Pandemic’ held by the Managing Committee of Amar Singh Club, Srinagar here.

The neurologist stated that over the century’s new technology like cars, aeroplanes, radio etc have come which were game-changers but they never changed lives.
Over the past few decades, digital technology has changed lives, he said.

Razdan informed that children born or brought up during the age of digital technology are called ‘Digital Natives’ while his own generation were ‘Digital Immigrants’. It has been established that the minds and behaviour of these children was entirely different, he said.

The neurologist stated that they are withdrawn, suffer from autism and attention disorders, and prefer to use digital devices instead of playing, connect with friends through digital devices and consequently face an entirely different set of problems at the cost of their mental, physical and educational growth.

“Earlier, we used to use the technologies but today we are not using digital technology, instead digital technology is using us”, he said and added “It is not a routine thing that has happened”.

He stated that overuse mostly led to the children getting addicted.

Razdan urged that till they attain the age of 5 years, digital devices should be kept away from children, after which proper rationing of digital use for age appropriate time usage under family supervision.

He said it was very important to monitor the content being watched by children in their formative years.

The neurologist stated that it had been scientifically established through MRI’s and other tests that there was erratic growth of their brains which was an abnormality resulting in weakening of their memory, learning, problem solving processes due to which they cannot face life challenges as earlier generations would.

With regard to the overuse of digital devices by elderly people, Dr Razdan said that “it resulted in physical and psychological ailments like headaches and neck pain, sleep patterns get disrupted, anxiety disorders, sadness, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, reduction of social interactions and increased aggressive behaviour”.

He stated that it was important to engage their minds by encouraging them to learn outdoor activities like cycling, swimming, exercising, sports like football and cricket and other hobbies which require focus and attention.

Razdan said that alternate outdoor and sports facilities needed to be provided in all areas for them.

Families and social groups needed to make it a habit for them to get out of their rooms.

He appreciated the management of Amar Singh Club for organising the event and stated that although we were all individually aware of the problem of digital addiction, it was the first time that he had witnessed an event where the issue was meaningfully discussed on a social level.

Source: UNI

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