‘Adolescents prone to binge watching’

Pune: Born in the age of smartphones, adolescents are more prone to binge watching addiction which eventually impacts them more negatively as they suffer from problems like lack of concentration, low-confidence and poor communication skills, say experts. 

Dr Rohan Jahagirdar, psychiatrist said, “Binge watching is more common in adolescents, as they are born in the age of mobile phones. For them, there is no world without phones. It affects them negatively as they are the most gullible ones and are unable to decide between wrong and attractive.” “It hampers their communication skill and thus drives them into isolation and negatively affects their confidence,” he added. 

When asked about the solution, he said, “Taking mobile phone away from them is not an option. But parents should ensure they watch only for a certain time and also encourage their children to take up sports and other hobbies to channelise their energy positively.” 

Dr Bhooshan Shukla, psychiatrist said, “Getting obsessed with a theme or thing or person is a hallmark of young age. This is the primary reason for ‘fads’ in this age group. They identify with some part of the fad as a way of building their own identity. If required, parents are doing the right thing restricting or blocking access if situation calls for it,” he suggested.
 
Muktangan Rehabilitation Center Director Mukta Puntambekar said, “Binge watching is a part of Internet addiction disorder and it affects adolescents a lot, as they suffer from problems such as lack of concentration, which can result in poor academic performances.” 

“It is very important for parents to keep a check on their kids. Book reading, trekking, walking should be encouraged so that the kids spend more time doing physical activities. It is important for parents to spend quality time with their kids,” she added. 

Puntambekar suggested that gadgets and machines should be in the main family room and not in the children’s bedroom. 

Anandvan De-addiction-cum-Rehabilitation Centre Founder Chairman Ajay Dudhane said, “Adolescence is the most sensitive age and binge watching is a common phenomenon among adolescents. It affects them negatively, as they are isolated and develop a fear or shyness and often ignore public gatherings. 

They do have a lot of peer pressure also, and to be on the same page as their friends, they fall in the trap even more.” 

“It is the responsibility of parents to keep a tab on their online activities. They should check what content their kids are watching and also restrict it with a time limit,” he added. 

Dudhane suggested it is important for parents to condition themselves and not check mails or messages after coming home from office. There should be proper communication between parents and children and also physical activities and sports should be encouraged.

The drawbacks

• Hampers communication skills 
• Lack of confidence 
• Poor academic performance 
• Lack of concentration 

Curative measures

• Physical activities should be encouraged 
• Restrict online time 
• Book reading should be encouraged