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Parents Beware! Soothing Kids with Mobile Raises Virtual Autism Risk

Speed News Desk | Updated on: 22 August 2023, 16:26 IST
Soothing Kids with Mobile Raises Virtual Autism Risk

A new trend has emerged where parents hand over mobile phones to their crying children, using videos to pacify them. Similarly, some parents give their children mobiles while feeding them.

Gradually, this dependency on mobile devices becomes so strong that children refuse to eat without watching something on the mobile screen.


What's often overlooked is the potential harm this habit can have on a child's mental health.

Multiple research studies have revealed that mobile addiction negatively impacts children's minds, increasing the risk of virtual autism.

Let's delve into what virtual autism is and how parents can safeguard their children from its effects.

Understanding Virtual Autism

Excessive usage of smartphones, TVs, and electronic gadgets often leads to observable symptoms in children. Virtual autism tends to manifest predominantly in children aged 4 to 5 years due to the addiction to electronic gadgets like smartphones, TVs, and computers. Excessive smartphone use in particular can hinder a child's ability to communicate and engage socially, leading to a condition known as virtual autism.

Symptoms of Virtual Autism

Children with virtual autism exhibit several symptoms, including:

  • Frequent irritability
  • Lack of response
  • Inability to speak even after the age of 2
  • Failing to recognize family members
  • Ignoring when called by name
  • Indifference towards social interaction
  • Inability to recognize family members
  • Avoiding eye contact
  • Repeating the same activity
  • Preventing Virtual Autism

Limiting exposure to gadgets is essential. Often, parents start exposing their children to smartphones while they're very young. This leads to an addiction that's hard to break.

The first step is to keep children away from electronic gadgets and minimize their screen time. Encourage them to focus on other activities. Establish healthy sleep patterns. Motivate children to engage in outdoor activities.

 It's crucial for parents to be proactive in controlling their children's exposure to electronic gadgets and screens. By doing so, we can help protect their mental well-being and reduce the risk of virtual autism, ensuring a healthier and more balanced upbringing.

First published: 22 August 2023, 16:26 IST