Are We Losing Our Children to Screens?

Are We Losing Our Children to Screens?

Nowadays, with the advancement in technology, not only have there been a rapid introduction of ways to keep a child occupied, but from a parent’s point of view, the workplace responsibilities have skyrocketed along with an increase in competition, this all results in them  unable to schedule time for their children. While these are all valid reasons for increased technology use, its negative impact on developing minds far outweighs the potential benefits they may experience. 

Though technology has become extremely deeply embedded into our lifestyle, children’s usage of it must be heavily controlled and monitored as not only does it have the potential to affect their physical health, it causes behavioral problems, a fall in social skills, and so much more.

• Effects of technology on physical health

To start off with some of the mild health effects; technology harms and progressively worsens the posture of the user. Scientific experts predict that the extended use of technology holds the potential to permanently shift the alignment of an individual’s spine. Due to the habit of slouching for prolonged periods of time your posture is expected to face the consequences. This causes far more serious health issues down the line such as; a misaligned spine, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint degeneration, etc. 

Due to its role in reducing an individual’s physical activity, excessive screen time impairs a child's physical endurance by preventing it from being developed in the first place. The use of technology indirectly contributes to causing cardiovascular disorders as there is a lack of physical exertion that does not allow the body to be engaged in the necessary ways to maintain heart health. Consequently, the risk of cardiovascular issues can lead to more severe mental and physical illnesses, leaving the individual increasingly vulnerable.

• Causes behavioral and social issues 

Excessive screen time in children not only leads to various social issues but also significantly impairs their behavioral development. The addictive nature of digital devices can foster aggressive behaviors, particularly when the content they consume is not properly monitored. Exposure to age-inappropriate material can have a detrimental impact on their mental and emotional well-being.

Moreover, technology contributes to the underdevelopment of crucial social skills in children. As a reduction in face-to-face interactions can increase the likelihood of social anxiety and difficulties in forming healthy relationships. This lack of social engagement is often linked to poor academic performance, diminished attention spans, and low creativity. Over time, these factors can delay social, and emotional development, creating further challenges as they grow.

These are just some of the negative effects of technology on its users. However, not all hope is lost! For Muslims, we have the clear guidance of the Holy Quran and the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH), and our responsibility is to put them into practice.

In Islam, children are esteemed as precious gifts from Allah (SWT). This belief intensifies the responsibility of adults, especially parents, to treat all children—whether their own or others—with care and respect. The following verse even highlights the significance of children, whether male or female, as gifts bestowed by Allah according to His will. 

“To Allāh belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth; He creates what He wills. He gives to whom He wills female [children], and He gives to whom He wills males. Or He makes them [both] males and females, and He renders whom He wills barren. Indeed, He is Knowing and Competent.” [42:49-50]

The Quran further forbids anyone from harming or ending the lives of their children out of fear of not being able to provide for them. Though children have rights over their parents and bringing a child into the world comes with many responsibilities, parents do not have the right to abandon their offspring as the Quran assures the believer that Allah(SWT) will provide for the child—and in extension for you as well. 

Furthermore, if we study the life of the Prophet (PBUH), he was known for his kind, soft, and righteous nature, and this was especially evident in the way he interacted with children. Being fond of children, the Prophet (PBUH) showed great enthusiasm in playing with them which further represented their significance. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would often play with children, even while walking in the streets. Reported by Ya’la Ibn Mura,

 “I went out with the Prophet (PBUH) for a food invitation. Al-Hussain, son of Ali (R.A), was playing in the street, whereupon the Prophet hurried in front of the people towards him to catch him while Al-Hussain ran right and left to escape."

Additionally, there are countless ahadith of how the Prophet (PBUH) used to prioritize interacting with his family, whether that be his wives, children, grandchildren, or any other relative. He used to joke with his wives and have a light-hearted chat in his free time, or he would race with Aisha (RA). he would also take Osama Ibn Zaid and Al-Hassan Ibn Ali and place them on his thighs then he would tightly hug them and say:

All this goes to show how we, his followers, should implement his teachings and efficiently manage our schedules in such a way that we minimize the possibility of neglecting our children due to worldly responsibilities. This is crucial for building good relationships, which contribute to an individual’s happiness and well-being in return. 

To help apply these teachings in today's time, we’ve taken the initiative to develop some hands-on activities suitable for children to stimulate numerous skills that would then aid in their proper development. 

• Jigsaw Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles are more than just fun; they are one of the most beneficial activities for children. Though low in physical exertion, jigsaw puzzles come in handy in developing the children's fine motor skills, creative mindset, problem solving skills, and hand-eye coordination. Additionally, they simultaneously develop a child's cognitive skills such as; memory, increased attention span, critical thinking, etc. 

With the vast amount of benefits to a child, jigsaw puzzles are an essential for any parent. DEENIN would like to introduce the DEENIN Kids' Hajj Adventure Jigsaw Puzzle & DEENIN Kids' Al-Aqsa Palestine Puzzle, skillfully incorporating deen and dunya, these puzzles help children visualize the process of Hajj, making it the perfect opportunity for parents to educate them about the history of how this process came to be. 

On the other hand, the DEENIN Kids' Al-Aqsa Palestine Puzzle is an excellent way for parents to introduce their children to the cultural and religious significance of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and its surroundings, effortlessly blending together the duty of interacting and educating children in way they will enjoy. 

• Affirmation cards

Along with the adaptation of positive speech in our day-to-day life, the addition of affirmation cards would make the perfect match. Fostering a healthy, positive environment reeks extraordinary benefits for our children. Facilitating them with a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment reflects through them in the form of high self-esteem and confidence. This, in return, helps them build a strong sense of self-identity in a child, which acts as a protective armor in the real world, in situations new to them, they will be able to navigate with ease. 

Make the use of affirmation cards a habit and notice the transformation of your home environment. To start simple, give the DEENIN Kids Affirmation and Memory Cards a try. The set of 30 cards is the easiest way to introduce the concept of daily affirmation to children and incorporate the remembrance of Allah (SWT), naturally weaving together two very healthy and beneficial practices. 

References:

• https://www.al-islam.org/raising-children-tahera-kassamali/lesson-7-children-and-play

• https://ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT2303044.pdf

• https://aboutislam.net/shariah/prophet-muhammad/a-mercy-for-all/the-prophets-care-for-children/