Excessive usage of smartphones hurting parent-child relationship

Hyderabad: As the Covid-19 pandemic leads to growing dependence on smartphones, it is also negatively impacting relationships between parents and children. According to vivo-SwitchOff 3.0 report, 74 per cent of Indian parents feel that their relationship with their kids is hurting because of smartphones.

Conducted in association with Cybermedia Research (CMR), the study showcases the impact of smartphones on users and its effect on relationships. The study sheds light on the various trends, patterns associated with smartphone usage and analyses the changing behaviour of consumers.

It underlines that more than 80 per cent of people agree that smartphones help boost their productivity and improve their quality of life. However, excessive usage of smartphones is triggering addiction among parents. The average daily time spent on smartphones remains at alarming levels (in the post-Covid era) as there has been a 32 per cent increase in the time spent on smartphones from the pre-Covid period. Interestingly, the survey also highlights that while the time that is spent with kids and family, in general, has gone up, the quality of time spent has deteriorated. 80 per cent (four in every five) smartphone users are on their phones while spending time with their kids, and a whopping 74 per cent of Indian parents feel that their relationship with their kids may be hurt because of smartphones.

This has its ramifications on the psychological and cognitive development of children. 90 per cent of parents confess that their children display signs of aggression due to their extended smartphone usage. The same number of parents feel that their children are sometimes lacking in acceptable moral and social behaviour.

Commenting on the launch of the report, Yogendra Sriramula, Director, Brand Strategy, vivo India, said: "It is an undisputed fact that smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, helping us stay connected with work and social circles, giving us access to information and improving our productivity. However, their excessive use is impacting human relationships and behaviour."