bbc.com
Secret Phone Use Leads to Declining Grades: Psychologist's Advice for Parents on Addressing Online Explicit Content"
A 15-year-old boy's declining grades led his parents to seek psychological help, revealing a pattern of secretive, late-night phone use involving explicit content. Dr. Ashok's advice focuses on calm communication and strengthening family bonds to counter this issue, highlighting a widespread parental concern amplified by increased screen time post-COVID-19.
- What are the immediate consequences of children's unsupervised access to explicit online content, and how can parents effectively address this growing concern?
- A 15-year-old boy's grades dropped significantly after he started spending excessive time on his phone, secretly watching explicit content. His psychologist, Dr. Ashok, advised parents to calmly communicate with their children and create a more engaging family environment to prevent such behavior.
- How has the increased reliance on electronic devices since the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to this problem, and what preventative measures can schools and communities implement?
- The case highlights a growing concern among parents globally regarding children's access to explicit content online. The increased use of electronic devices since the COVID-19 pandemic has made it harder for parents and teachers to monitor children's online activities, leading to negative impacts on their academic performance and well-being.
- What long-term psychological and developmental impacts can result from children's exposure to explicit content, and what strategies can be employed to mitigate these risks and promote healthy online habits?
- Dr. Ashok emphasizes the importance of open communication and a supportive family environment in preventing children from accessing explicit material online. He advises against harsh reactions, suggesting that a calm, understanding approach is more effective in addressing the issue and fostering a trusting relationship with the child.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue primarily from the perspective of parental concern and potential harm to children. While this is valid, it could benefit from including perspectives from children themselves, or exploring the societal factors that contribute to the accessibility of explicit content online.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, however phrases such as "anshax darro ah" (immoral) and "waxyaabaha galmada la xiriira" (sexually related) carry strong negative connotations. More neutral terms such as "inappropriate content" or "explicit material" could be used.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the negative impacts of children viewing explicit content online, but omits discussion of potential positive uses of technology, such as educational apps or online learning platforms. It also doesn't explore other factors that might contribute to a child's declining academic performance beyond explicit content consumption.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by implying that the only way to prevent children from viewing explicit content is through constant parental monitoring and restricting access to technology. It doesn't adequately consider alternative solutions, such as media literacy education or open communication within the family.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights how children's access to explicit content online negatively impacts their education. The boy in the article neglected his studies due to his online activities, demonstrating a direct negative impact on his educational attainment. The expert's advice emphasizes the need for parental involvement to mitigate this negative impact and ensure children focus on their studies.