In today’s digital age, smartphones have become an indispensable tool for people of all ages. Unfortunately, many children have also become addicted to gadgets, including smartphones. Apple CEO, Tim Cook, recently cautioned parents about the need to monitor their children’s phone usage and set limits to prevent excessive gadget use.
During a recent interview with GQ Magazine, Apple CEO was asked about his own child’s obsession with smartphones. He acknowledged that children today are born into a digital era but emphasized the importance of setting boundaries to protect them.
Cook stated, “We don’t want people using our phones too much. We’re not given incentives to do that. We’re not trying to get you using it all the time.”
He further explained that Apple has developed tools, such as the Screen Time app, to help parents monitor their children’s phone usage and set limits on device usage, downloads, and content.
Cook also stressed the importance of reducing screen time, saying that staring at a phone screen for too long is a mistake. According to Cook, his philosophy is that if someone spends more time looking at their phone than into someone’s eyes, they are making a mistake.
Cook admitted that he himself has struggled with phone addiction, even though he is the CEO of a major technology company that produces one of the world’s most popular smartphone brands.
While there is no specific ideal time limit for gadget usage, experts recommend avoiding excessive use of gadgets, especially for children and adolescents who are still growing and developing.
For children under two years of age, it is best to avoid gadget usage altogether. For older children and teenagers, it is recommended that they do not spend too much time in front of gadgets, especially before bedtime, as the blue light emitted from gadget screens can interfere with their sleep quality.
Some health experts recommend the “20-20-20” principle to reduce the negative effects of gadget usage. This principle involves taking a break every 20 minutes of screen time, looking away from the screen for 20 seconds, and focusing on something 20 feet away.
The findings on ideal gadget usage time come from a study conducted by Dr. Devi Nampiaparampil, a neurologist from the NYU School of Medicine.
The study found that using gadgets for more than 2 hours per day can damage nerves responsible for near-sightedness, and that taking a break every 20-30 minutes can help reduce the risk of such damage.
The study involved more than 100 participants and included assessments of nerve function and vision, as well as evaluations of their gadget usage habits.
In general, gadget usage should be balanced with physical and social activities and a healthy lifestyle. As Cook stated, “We’re trying to help users be more mindful and more intentional with their device usage.”
