The digital world has controlled our lives. Technology is everywhere in our house and outdoors, like TV, tablets, MP3 players, computers, smartphones, office equipment, etc. But, most of all, it is the mobile phone that has distracted everyone from doing the important tasks in their daily life. For instance, students give more time to smartphone than studies, one-to-one discussions, family gatherings, etc.

The excessive use of everything is bad and in the case of a smartphone, it is disastrous to our health, mentally and physically. Although a mobile phone was invented to easily access and connect with people from anywhere, the advancement in technology brought in various apps and have made people glued to it, irrespective of where they were and what they were doing.

Days and nights

Unfortunately, the first thing in the morning what most of us do is to check the mobile phone and the last thing in the night is to check the phone — and during the whole day it is with us wherever we go.

We have no time for our siblings, parents or any other relationship. If there are relations, they are all present in the smartphone.

Education and distraction

If you own a mobile phone, chances are your studies would be greatly affected, especially if you are keeping it with you while studying. How?

Well, can you resist a beep or a flash of light on the phone set indicating a notification of something? Perhaps, no. You check and then give a response to it. So starts the never-ending thread of chat or giving responses to someone’s status, etc.

In 2018, Larry Rosen, a psychology professor and author of The Distracted Mind did research on the harmful effects of smartphones. At one point she says, “Besides increasing anxiety, smartphones can interfere in a person’s ability to focus.”

In addition, the excess use of smartphones among youngsters may cause them to have shortness of temper, boost aggressiveness, decrease attention span and give headaches.

There is a book Screen Schooled written by two American veteran teachers Joe Clament and Matt Miles. In their book, they tell us how technology and overuse of screens is making students dumber. They also suggest steps parents can take in bringing changes in the lives of their kids addicted to screens. Generally, it is a book for teachers and parents but students can read as well.

The dilemma is that smartphones are beneficial and harmful at the same time. It depends on the usage of its owner. Here are some steps that students can take themselves if they think the use of their phone is adversely affecting their academics as well as family life.

Use digital calculator

We tend to use the mobile phone’s calculator to do the calculations, but this just makes us prone to using this device more and this is what we have to avoid. The best is to use your grey cells and do the calculations. If the calculation is too mindboggling, it is better to use a digital calculator instead of using a mobile phone, because chances are when you are done with your actual work, you will want to peek into Facebook or Instagram feeds!

Use a dictionary

To see the meanings of words or use the thesaurus, once again we pick up the phone. Stop there. Dust off the dictionary (the big, thick book in your bookshelf) or take out your pocket-dictionary and check the meanings from it. I know, it would be a little difficult to go through the pages to search a word, but for the sake of your good health you must do it.

Keep a diary or a journal

If you have to write a reminder, this too will drag you closer to your smartphone, as stated above, here is a tip for that too — keep a journal or a small diary handy and write a reminder in it.

Keep the smartphone out of your bedroom

Make a rule, keep your smartphone out of your bedroom at night! In doing so, you won’t have to wake up checking your smartphone. Place an ordinary alarm clock at your bedside, to wake you up in the morning.

Get rid of the apps!

Hold your heart, and delete most of the apps like photo editors, photo and video effects apps, etc. They just take away all your spare time.

The tips given above are very simple, but if followed continuously, they can help you stay healthy mentally and physically. You will feel active and happy like never before.

But if you are wondering what would you do without having a smartphone?

Here are the best ways to spend your time on:

Pay attention to your studies

We all know that we have missed a lot during the last year due to the lockdowns in Covid-19 pandemic, which we still are facing and our education was badly affected, my advice would be to read lessons from your course books whenever you have time, or the things you think you have forgotten.

Read books

Read books on diverse topics to get knowledge. Books can take you in their own world and you will be able to forget the screen for that time, at least.

Play physical games

Choose physical games like cricket, badminton, chess, table tennis and football over video games; they are not only entertaining but refreshing as well. They will keep your physical and mental health better.

Play a musical instrument

Besides reducing stress, playing any musical instrument can influence your thoughts, behaviour and feelings. Playing musical instruments boosts your memory, attention and concentration.

Engage yourself in art activities

One must develop art skills along with his/her studies. Art is a constant companion. Whenever you are bored or feeling down, you can make a sketch or paint and it will relieve you from anxiety.

Bond with family

Most of you would consider it an irksome task to talk to your parents, but it’s not. Your parents have the best solutions for your problems. If you stay close to them, they won’t let you go astray. They will keep you on the right path.

Of all the things I’ve stated above, this is the most important. Get attached to your parents and siblings, spend time and enjoy your life to the fullest.

Published in Dawn, Young World, September 4th, 2021