Mobile Addiction: Social media use is becoming increasingly dangerous for children and youth these days. A similar case recently emerged from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, where three sisters committed suicide due to online gaming addiction. Subsequently, in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, mobile gaming addiction claimed the life of an innocent child. This incident has left everyone wondering how mobile gaming addiction could drive a student to suicide. There are countless such cases, not just one or two, that will shake your soul. But is it really the children's fault, or are games and social media designed to keep children and youth spending as much time as possible?

Are apps like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube deliberately designed to make them addictive?

This legal battle is part of a recent high-profile lawsuit in a California court. The allegation is that Meta (which owns Instagram and Facebook) and YouTube designed their apps to be addictive, keeping children glued to them for hours. This brings profits to companies, but negatively impacts children's mental health.

This case originated with a petition filed by a 20-year-old girl named Callie G. Callie says she started using YouTube at the age of 6 and Instagram at the age of 11. She claims these platforms caused her severe mental health problems. Will this case set a precedent for hundreds of similar lawsuits in the US?

How to keep children away from games and social media?
1. Set Screen Time:

Set a set screen time for children each day. For example, one hour for entertainment, in addition to studies. Keep mobile phones off during mealtimes and when spending time with family. Turn off the screen before bed to ensure good sleep. Sleep is crucial for staying healthy.

2. Activities:

Encourage children to engage in sports, dance, music, art, or other hobbies. You can avoid using games and social media by adopting habits like reading books, solving puzzles, or writing a diary.

3. Don't scold, but with love -

When children use their phones excessively, talk to them with love instead of anger. Ask them what they like online and what they search for there. Try to understand.

4. Check their mobile phones -

If your children are older, check their mobile phone history from time to time to see what they are viewing.

5. Don't snatch their phones -

Never yell at children or suddenly snatch their phones. This can lead to children using their phones secretly. Try to make changes with love and trust.

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