Children can be fussy eaters, and working mothers, especially, often find it difficult to feed their kids properly because of their busy schedules. Many mothers use cell phones to entertain their kids while feeding them. However, the regular use of cell phones while feeding is not a good idea as it has several adverse effects. Experts say children under two should not be exposed to TV, computers or electronic games as it could lead to eye disorders and attention deficit syndrome.
Orissa POST interacted with some doctors to know more about the hazards kids are exposed to from the use of cell phones by moms while feeding.
Reshmi Mishra, a paediatrician at KIMS, says, “There used to be working women before iPhones or smartphones came into being. But they were not dependent on suchshort cuts to feed their children. All you require is patience to feed a toddler which seems to be lacking in working women of today’s generation. I have two children. But I have never made them watch either television or a smartphone while feeding them. Mothers should know that showing smart phones or television to kids while feeding them will lead to obesity. Most importantly, the kids will not be aware of the taste of the food they eat. That apart, it can result in attention deficit syndrome and eye disorders among kids.”
According to Anamika Tripathy, a doctor at SUM hospital, “Handing over a cell phone, even if it’s just during mealtime, is a huge mistake parents make. Because what starts off as showing the child YouTube rhymes while eating will slowly turn into a habit that the child finds hard to break away from. Once this habit forms, the child won’t even want to try to escape from it. Mobile phones using 3G, 4G and Wifi communicate through electromagnetic fields. Thus, it will have an adverse impact on eyesight too.”
Atish Mohapatra, a doctor at VSS Burla Medical College and Hospital, says that feeding kids under the age of five is the most Herculean task in the world. But if children get addicted to cell phones, they will soon start throwing temper tantrums when they don’t get the phones. This could lead to behavioural problems. Besides, children will be so drawn towards cell phones that they would prefer to spend less time with family members. Mothers should keep in mind that feeding kids is an art and it should be followed properly.”
Punyatoya Gochhayat, a doctor at SUM hospital, feels that over-exposure to cell phones has an impact on attention span and concentration as well as appetite control. Spending too much time with cell phones or TV encourages a more sedentary lifestyle. Babies should be encouraged to explore the world physically and toddlers need to be active for three hours a day for healthy growth. Parents should also note that significant exposure decreases with distance and only happens if the phone is close to the baby’s body.”
RASHMI REKHA DAS, OP
