We live in a digital age, dependent on our smart phones and it has transformed the way we communicate, learn, and entertain ourselves. Although these devices offer numerous benefits, especially in terms of connectivity and access to information, they also pose significant risks, particularly for our young children. Our children are exposed to smartphones at an increasingly early age, causing developmental delays, social isolation and mental health issues. Many researches have shown that the negative impact of excessive smartphone use is much higher in young children than adults. We are responsible for their well being and we need to take initiatives to prevent them from any harm that’s not much visible right now but will definitely overwhelm us in near future. To overcome problem of excessive screen time in children is to engage them in activities that they find interesting. Art activities can be an alternative that if used smartly can be fun for your children and keep them away from smart phones and tabs.
It’s a matter of concern as studies have shown that prolonged exposure to screens can lead to delays in language acquisition, poor attention span, and decreased cognitive abilities in young children.Furthermore, smartphones can also have detrimental effects on children’s social and emotional well-being. Excessive screen time has been linked to increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression among children. Moreover, the constant exposure to social media and online content can exacerbate issues such as cyberbullying and negative self-image, leading to serious mental health consequences.
Children who are exposed to smart phones from early age tend to avoid other children around them and show less to no interest in physical activities and games. Such children desperately need a creative approach from their parents to help them engage in art activities that will eventually make them more expressive . As Art activities encourage children to use their imagination and creativity, allowing them to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Whether it’s painting, drawing, sculpting, or crafting, art activities provide children with a means of self-expression that is free from the pressures and distractions of the digital world.
Art activities can also help children develop important motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness. Furthermore, art activities can promote emotional well-being by providing children with a constructive way to manage their emotions and cope with stress. Engaging in art allows children to express their feelings and thoughts in a tangible and meaningful way, helping them develop emotional resilience and self-awareness. And this is the right time for us to utilize art to get our children out of the abyss of virtual world.
Once your children develops an interest in art activities it will foster their social connections and give way to collaboration among children, as they work together on projects and share their ideas and experiences. This collaborative aspect of art not only enhances children’s social skills but also promotes empathy, cooperation, and teamwork. The initiative is to spend some time with children paint, draw and scribble with them, help them make crafts and toys and all sorts of things, once they start loving those activities they will do it on their own.
