The increasing use of mobile phones among children is significantly altering traditional child-cuddling practices, impacting their socialization and emotional development. This shift raises concerns about diminished face-to-face interactions and the development of essential social skills.

Q10. Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialisation of children.

Model Answer:

Introduction

Child cuddling, a form of physical affection and bonding between a parent and child, plays a crucial role in the emotional and social development of children. However, the increasing prevalence of mobile phones in children's lives is altering these traditional forms of bonding. Data from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in India indicates that children as young as two years old are spending significant time on mobile devices.

Body

In contrast, the overuse of mobile phones can have several negative impacts on the socialisation of children:

• Delayed Emotional Development: Excessive screen time can hinder the development of empathy and emotional understanding. A study by the University of California found that children who spend more time on screens have difficulty recognizing emotions in others.
• Increased Isolation: Mobile phones can lead to social isolation as children may prefer virtual interactions over face-to-face communication. This can result in poor social skills and difficulty in forming real-life relationships.
• Disrupted Sleep Cycle: The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, disrupting sleep patterns. Poor sleep can affect a child's mood, behaviour, and cognitive functions.
• Reduced Physical Activity: Time spent on mobile phones often replaces physical play, leading to sedentary lifestyles and associated health issues like obesity.
• Attention Deficit: Constant exposure to fast-paced digital content can reduce attention spans and impair the ability to focus on tasks.

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On the other hand, child cuddling has several positive impacts on socialisation:

• Increased Emotional Intelligence: Physical affection helps children understand and manage their emotions better, leading to higher emotional intelligence.
• Enhanced Parent-Child Bond: Regular cuddling strengthens the emotional bond between parents and children, fostering a sense of trust and security.
• Sense of Security: Physical touch provides comfort and reassurance, helping children feel safe and secure.
• Better Stress Management: Cuddling releases oxytocin, a hormone that reduces stress and promotes feelings of happiness and well-being.
• Improved Social Skills: Children who experience regular physical affection are more likely to develop strong social skills and form healthy relationships.

Conclusion

A balanced approach is essential. While mobile phones can offer educational content and connectivity, it is crucial to limit screen time and prioritise physical interactions. Parents should ensure that mobile phone usage does not replace essential bonding activities like cuddling.

In today's digital world, the patterns of socialisation are changing. While technology offers new ways to connect, it is important to maintain traditional forms of bonding to ensure the holistic development of children.

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