SAEDNEWS: In today’s world, children and teenagers will inevitably use computers, but excessive technology use can harm their physical and mental health. The destructive social impacts of cyberspace on children’s lives are so profound that they can persist into adulthood, bringing far-reaching consequences.
According to the Social Affairs section of Saed News, citing IRNA, the negative impacts of excessive use of cyberspace on children range from an increased risk of obesity to loss of social skills and behavioral problems. This does not mean parents should completely ban technology, but they can become aware of its potential effects and develop strategies to limit their children’s screen time.
Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Seyed Naseri, a university lecturer and researcher in international children’s rights, has written a note to help families understand both the risks and benefits of the internet. By reading it, parents can monitor their children’s use of this simultaneously harmful and useful technology with greater knowledge. The note reads as follows:
As parents, are you aware of the negative impacts of cyberspace on your children? Like all mass media, the internet has both positive and negative aspects. The rapid growth of the internet and social networks over the past two decades has exposed today’s children and adolescents to a wide array of digital media. Excessive use of the internet can lead to obsessive behaviors, distracting individuals from social interactions, health, academic or professional responsibilities, as well as eating and sleeping routines. This can have serious consequences for life, especially for children, who are a vulnerable group.
Children and adolescents from Generation Z and Generation Alpha are the most vulnerable internet users in the age of rapid technological expansion. Most are inexperienced, curious, emotional, and, most importantly, “alone,” making them prime targets for online criminals.
It is impossible to imagine our children growing up, going to university, or entering the workforce without interacting with computers or the global internet. Today’s world is defined by new technologies that have penetrated human life at an unprecedented pace. We cannot ignore them; instead, we must engage with them properly to maximize benefits. While the positive effects of new technologies on quality of life are undeniable, lack of proper management—especially by families—can lead to irreversible harm to children and adolescents.
We must remember that technology and the internet cannot be removed from our children’s lives. Instead, they should be taught how to use these tools responsibly for growth and progress. With proper education, change is always possible.
In today’s cyberspace, where one in three active users is a child, the main negative impacts include:
Exposure to violence through video games, affecting children’s mental health.
Exposure to pornography and immoral content, encouraging indecent behaviors.
Increased risk of drug use and internet addiction among children and adolescents.
Fraud or deception due to uncritical trust of online users.
Early physical and psychological development issues, social withdrawal, depression, and unstable behavior.
Reduced interest in educational or religious activities, excessive screen time for games or videos, mobile addiction, sleep deprivation, declining academic performance, inappropriate fashion choices, smoking or drug tendencies, and reduced motivation.
Severe privacy violations due to unrestricted access to VPNs and lack of parental supervision.
While technology affects all age groups directly and indirectly, children are the most vulnerable due to their lack of skills to use it positively. Challenges in managing cyberspace include its Western origin, limitless nature, cultural conflicts, privacy risks, identity ambiguity, crimes against morality, and the strategic use of the internet for soft warfare.
Creating a culture of responsible and safe internet use involves:
Educating parents about online risks
Developing religiously and culturally appropriate digital content
Supervising children’s online activities
Providing guidance and raising awareness
Families play a critical role in shaping children’s digital habits. Parents must be aware of both the benefits and risks of digital entertainment, identify age-appropriate games, understand educational and developmental concerns, and continuously update their digital literacy to guide their children effectively. Promoting awareness and providing cultural guidance to families is essential.
Technology is not just technical; it carries ethical, cultural, social, and human implications. While technology itself is not harmful, misuse can lead to platforms and AI-driven services beyond human control. If unaddressed, these developments may reshape social order and legal frameworks in the near future.
