Overview
In this day and age, technology has taken over every aspect of our lives; we are addicted to our computers, smartphones, and tablets.
This reflects on our children who would rather stay at home and play a video game than go out and have fun with other kids.
Decreased social interaction with other people has dire consequences on children, including lower educational attainment, psychological stress, and behavioral disorders.
In a 2018 study, scientists analyzed the mental health benefits seen in children and teenagers when interacting with nature. They concluded that “Findings support the contention that nature positively influences mental health.”
Moreover, children who get sufficient social interaction with their peers have shown positive traits of high intelligence, understanding social cues, and higher levels of empathy.
The effects extended to academic achievements as well. Teenagers who are socially active get higher grades at school. They also report elevated self-esteem and self-confidence, which further help them in their academic and social lives.
Some researchers believe that poor social skills have side effects that extend beyond mental health. In a 2017 study, participants who had deficits in social skills reported more stress, more loneliness, and poorer overall mental and physical health.
In conclusion, it seems that physical social interaction with other people is extremely important for the healthy development of the mental and physical health of children and teenagers.
Therefore, it is crucial to limit the time spent on virtual platforms and encourage children to play more with their peers to develop the necessary social skills.
