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Virtual Virus : Your Child at Risk

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Send your Feelings, Opinions and Experiences

If you know any story about the negative impact of virtual virus, where your own or any acquaintance had suffered due to this, please mail us at: avt@quantummethod.org.bd.
Animation or video clips could be made and published out of those stories, from Quantum Foundation, in future. You can also send us about the experience you had while distributing bulletins and stickers.
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You can write anything including any story regarding virtual virus, any tips or suggestions or any experience regarding distributing stickers, in the Qorum: qorum.quantummethod.org.bd

Technology and Kids: Control across the World

Smartphone is getting banned in schools in France
Mobile phones are going to get banned in French Schools from September 2018- the start of the new school year. On December 10, 2017, Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer said this on a n interview. According to the reports, Blanquer said, ‘These days children don’t play at break times anymore. They are just all in front of their smartphones and from an educational point of view, that's a problem.’ Hence, President Emmanuel Macron said that the ban will apply to all student until about age 15, when they start secondary school. French students are already barred from using their phones inside the classroom, but the new ban would extend school-wide.

Australian students keep their cell phones in locker before entering class
The school students of Victoria sub-state, Australia are entering their classroom keeping their cell phones in their lockers and taking them out in the afternoon when going home. They are not allowed to take out their phones even during the recess and they are spending active and cheerful at that time. They get to spend quality time with classmates- talking, playing, eating and enjoying. As a result they can focus better in their class as well. Where the teachers had to knock them every 10-15 minutes to concentrate in class, they can now take the whole class at once, without any interruption. They are also performing better in class. After seeing the improvement in the student, the chief of the state- Danielle Andrews- said that other schools of the state can also follow this rule if they want.

Students of boarding schools welcomed the ban of cell phones in school, in England
The school admin of Cranleigh Boarding School in Surrey, England, observed various issues among students due to mobile phones- including addiction, insomnia, mental disturbance for getting ‘likes’, detachment and consumerism. Therefore, they have banned cell phones for junior students. At first, the students were upset and resentful about the decision but soon they realized that the decision was actually in their favor. As a result, they are surely staying away from cell phone but at the same time motivating students of other schools in Surrey to avert using smart phones, explain its bad impacts.

Schools of various states of America are sending notice for banning phones
Recently, the use of mobile phones are banned in the renowned schools of Massachusetts, Illinois and Maine, USA.
Michael Divolle- the principal of Mattapoisett campus of old Rochester regional school district- used to encourage children for the use of technology. But after observing the extreme bad impact of the children he became very serious about the issue, that he averted himself from the use of phones before he told the children. He never takes the phone to the class. Even when he roams around the campus for classes, his phone stays in his office, where he left in the morning.
In Illinois Collinsville Middle school, it is banned to use cell phones from 8.25 am to 3.30pm from March 1, 2018. A video interview was published on this by the principal of the school- Kimberley Jackson.
Maine is situated in the New England region of the northeastern United States. The Oxford Hills Middle School of the state also issued a ‘Zero Tolerance’ rule for their students on the use of the cell phone during school hours. They said that few suicidal incidents of the children due to social media bullying have bound them to take such a strict action. Most parents have welcomed this step, except for few.

Control in China, Japan and South Korea
The largest internet company of China- Tencent- has limited the amount of time that children spend on the favorite games. In Japan, when people spend more time than dedicated monthly hours a warning message is sent to them. A new law has been passed in South Korea that children less than 16 years cannot play any online games from midnight to 6 in the morning.

Arrange for Virtual Virus Seminars

Apart from distributing the stickers, folders and bulletins, you can also arrange for special seminars on virtual virus at you educational institute, office or market. The Virtual Anti-Virus team of Quantum Foundation will help you with that. To know further mail: avt@quantummethod.org.bd.
Several seminars has been arranged in educational instituted within and around Dhaka, which include- Ideal School and College, Academia School, Mohammadpur Medhakunjo School, Mohammadpur Model School, TNT Adarsha Mohila College, Adamji Cantonment Public School and COllegem Dhaka College, Gulshan College and Dhaka and Jahangirnagar University.

Other than that, a introductory sessions were arranged in the Rupganj No.9 Commissioner ward and Lafarz Holcim Bangladesh Ltd. Alongside, awareness seminars were organized in Mujibur Rahman Women’s College in Bogra and BRDT Training Center in the sub-district of Gurudaspur Natore- outside Dhaka.

I want to be my Parents’ Ideal Daughter

Ratna Saha

Student, Cambrian School and College

I was so much addicted to smartphone, friends and Facebook that I didn’t even like to speak with my parents or other family members. I used to misbehave with my mother for no good reason. Nothing was more important to me than my friends. I couldn’t even focus in my studies.
Then my aunt took me to Sadakaion and Alokaion programs. At first, I didn’t like going there, I didn’t like the programs. However, after sometime I started liking the programs, as I realized that they are saying what’s good for me; Quantum is talking about my own better life, better future. And so I decided to take part in the course.
I realized each of my mistakes after coming here, participating in this course. I decided to quit Facebook and Internet addiction. I also understood no one in this world can love you more than your parents. Their love is unconditional. And it becomes way easier to become successful when they are by your side. I vow, from now on, I will rectify all my flaws and become the ideal daughter of my parents that they always hoped for.

I got a New Life because of Meditation

Sheikh Fardin Rahman

Student, Motijheel Ideal School and College

I used to stay busy with Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and others, before doing the Quantum Method Course. I stopped being interested in any sports or physical activity besides school and coaching classes. I was moving away from running, cricket and football.
Moreover, I could actually observe the behavioral changes in me after becoming addicted to these things. I didn’t speak with anyone normally or make new friends. I was also lagging behind in my studies for draining all my time on the internet. I also started to misbehave with my parents.
I came to this course because of my parents and relatives. I was very doubtful, as to what would I get to learn in this course?
However, after doing this course I feel like I got a new life, I found a way of living. Now I realize, how much time I wasted in this virtual world. It is, in fact, true that Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and others, can never teach us anything. They rather destroys our brain and intelligence.

I deleted all the Cartoons from TV

 

I deleted all the Cartoons from TV

Aboni Sarwar

Student, Agrani School and College

I was addicted to TV. I always wanted to watch cartoons and play games. But after hearing from Gurujee about the Virtual Virus, I deleted all the games, YouTube downloads and social media from my cellphone, on my way home, on the first of the course. And after reaching home, I deleted all the cartoons from TV so that I do not watch them again. I’m ashamed to say that I always took selfies. I used to take a lot of selfies wherever I went. I believe I will be able to quit this addiction as well.
I’ve become mentally strong after doing this course. I understood what should I do in my life. I was unable to set a goal, an aim for myself. I was considering various professions not related to each other, including doctor, engineer, advocate and barrister. But I was able to set my aim of life. I decided I will become a doctor.
I used to feel annoyed and irritated to speak or meet with new people. I didn’t feel like talking to anyone. But I was able to interact and be friendly with everyone during this course. I’m certainly astounded by everyone’s behavior in here. I got to learn good manners from everyone here.

No Smartphone before 18!

 

No Smartphone before 18!

1. Don’t bring any kinds of device in front of your baby before s/he turns 18 months. Don’t try to make your baby eat, by making them watch TV, Smartphone, Tab, YouTube etc.
2. Educational program can be watched aging 18 months to 2 years, in your presence.
3. Not more than one hour of screen time for children aging 2-5 and teenagers but before 11pm. Ensure that the child isn’t in front of the screen after 11pm, at any cost. Stay away from the devices, yourself, as well, to make an impression on the child.
4. Don’t buy your child a smart phone before s/he turns 18. If there are children at home, keep the smart TV away from them.
5. Create awareness regarding the use of mobile phone in school, so your children don’t get afflicted by virtual virus even from school.
6. Engage them in household chores; encourage them in creative works, making sure they don’t have enough to get addicted to anything.
7. Make sure you know what your children are using the devices for! Whatever gadget they use, whether computer, laptop, smartphone or tab- make sure you can add parental controls and other monitoring features are available, which would help to keep your children safe.
8. If possible, activate child-friendly browsing features. i.e. make sure you children doesn’t enter into any harmful or age inappropriate sites, while surfing. You can also seek help from you ISP (Internet service provider). You can turn off the router at night, if deemed necessary.
9. Make sure your children don’t keep the room locked at all times. Don’t let him be or think he is alone. Teach him to share with his siblings.
10. Provide them with religious teachings as per your own religion.
11. Practice yoga and meditation regularly, with the whole family. Take part in social work and humanitarian activities. This will help your child avert them.
12. Don’t scold your children but motivate them. Be their first and most trusted friend.
13. Spend more time with your children. If you occupy yourself with your phone and TV, then this might make your child resentful and angry; eventually developing mental disorder. Therefore, Stay away from all the digital devices including TV, smart phone, computer, during the time that you spend with the family.
14. Improve real communication and familial bond with your children, parents, siblings, spouse and relatives.
15. Cut lose those companies that pushes you towards the darkness of addiction. Practice the family meditation on every Thursday, with your whole family. Participate in Sadakaion, Alokaion and Enlightened Family program of Quantum Foundation, with your family.
16. Not words but your children follow your actions. If you are addicted to the virtual virus yourself, it wouldn’t be easy to keep your children away from that. Therefore, get rid of your Facebook at first, then make your child stay away from there.

Start with Yourself

Social Media: Safety Measures

• Delete all apps of social media including Facebook and Twitter from you Smartphone. Download it on a desktop or laptop; check from there, whenever deemed necessary. To know how to delete a Facebook account.
• Use only for educational or professional purposes. But at a fixed time of a day.
• Don’t take or share selfies. Avoid taking picture in abnormal poses or gestures that damages your personality or reputation.
• Do not share personal information/pictures or yourself and others.
• Keeping in mind the future of your child, refrain from posting pictures, videos or posts that might damage his/her privacy or reputation in future.
• It is necessary to take permission from the original author, before sharing their posts. You should be posting or sharing any content without the permission and credential of original author.
• For information, choose the official website of the organization instead of social media.
• Avoid sharing any information, pictures or videos with others without ensuring authenticity.
• Avoid writing or encouraging any kind of racism that targets any respective caste, creed, religion or nationality.
• Use social medial for necessity. Do not participate in social provocative statements or political discussions, in the platform.
• Do not take pictures of food and share them and avoid the regularly visiting various restaurants for posting on social media.
• Do not follow someone who’s posts make you depressed or frustrated. Follow only those from whom you can learn good things.
• Do not give like and do not see your likes as well.

To protect from the Harmful Radiation

• Limit your time to 3 minutes while talking on mobile phone. If you can manage it over text then avoid speaking on the phone.
• Prepare a budget for mobile phone expenses at the beginning of the month or week. Specify budget for internet connection as well.
• After talking for once wait for 15 minutes. Stay completely away from the phone in that time.
• Instead of putting the cell phone directly to your ears, use a speaker phone, headset or other hands-free tools while speaking. However, do not use it with a loud volume as that might affect your hearing.
• Try to keep the mobile phone away from the body when it is switched on. Keep 5/6 feet away from your head while sleeping.
• Feature phone’s radio frequency radiation is less than Smartphone’s. Use feature phone if possible.
• Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and all these services of Smartphone unless you need them. Not just the RF radiation, but you might as well be giving away information about your personal activities to the tech companies.
• Do not use a mobile phone if you have land phone or conventional phone set.
• The doctors and nurses should also aware about the use of phones. The less it is used in the ICU or operation theater, the better.
• Finally, keep children away from mobile phones. We should treat the phone like a bottle of poison, and keep it away from children at all times.

Quitting Virtual Virus Addiction

• Staying up late without any reason, may increase the likelihood of virtual virus addiction. The first step to get rid of this will be to stop using cell phone, tab, computer related gadgets after 11 pm.
• Refrain from viewing the same news more than once in multiple channels.
• TV serial addiction causes familial problems and ruins mental peace.
• Visit YouTube to watch only necessary videos. If you have a YouTube channel of your own, then enter only once a day to reply to comments. Avoid checking, likes, dislikes or views.
• Develop a healthy lifestyle alongside practicing meditation and yoga. This will help you establish inner strength and you’d be able to say ‘NO’ to addictions of all kind.
• Dedicate yourself in the service and welfare of the society, of the humanity. Modern scientific research says that working for the benefit of people and society reduces the feeling of depression and loneliness. It increases confidence and skill.
• Avoid harmful curiosity alongside clicking on perverted advertisements, videos or websites. These would disrupt your mental well-being and self development.

Online Etiquette

• Set a specific time to use the internet; instead of surfing anytime anywhere!
• Use your clear picture on your user ID.
• If you do not have a suitable picture then refrain from using others’ picture.
• Mention the correct source of information in case of writing online.
• Do not look for Wi-Fi password when you visiting a home or a place or in a restaurant. Rather focus on the person in front of you.
• Delete all apps of social media including Facebook and Twitter from you Smartphone. Download it on a desktop or laptop; check from there, whenever deemed necessary. To know how to delete a Facebook account.

Technological Etiquette

• Avoid talking on the cell phone during meeting, conference or class.
• Keep your cell phone in silent mode at religious place, classrooms, meetings, conferences and all this kind of ceremonies.
• Follow the “Etiquette and manners Konica” and “Sweet Words Konica” during phone conversation and private messaging.
• Use good tunes for mobile ringtones, alarms and any kind of reminders
• Take permission from person on the other side, before speaking on the speaker.
• Understand the surrounding before taking a video call.
• Use wrist watch for checking time instead of cell phone.
• Make sure it is not inconvenient to others when you are turn on the radio or music on speaker, in your own car.

Avoid

• Setting personal photo as screen saver and/or wallpaper
• Using others’ phone, e-mail id or any other account without their permission
• During a conversation, using cell phone or receiving a call without the permission of the person
• Using electronic gadgets all the day, closing the doors.
• Recording phone or video call without permission.
• Talking on the phone while driving. It has legal consequences.
• While using others’ pen drives or hard disks, checking their personal files or take them without permission.
• Using corrupted, modified or ‘trendy’ languages and emojis.
• Using TV or fridge at others’ places when you go as a guest, without permission.

When buying Electronic Gadgets.

• Refrain from purchasing electronic gadgets for bragging and boasting, brand names and the latest models.
• Do not turn changing a smartphone phone frequently into a habit.
• Buy devices according to your needs and type of work. Take expert advice if you need. But do not waste your time on searching phones and brands if you don’t need them.
• Do not go for a long chat with anyone about the configuration, design of mobile phones; without any reason.

Be careful about the Risks

• Using headphones or earphone with high volume for a long time, is harmful for health
• Leaning forward, looking at the screen for a long time can cause shoulder ache, back pain and eye problems.
• Avoid using mobile phone while walking or crossing the street.

Online Safety

• Download apps after being confirming its necessity and safety
• Confirm about the terms and services of the popular app before downloading and using them
• In case of transactions or trading, prefer keeping a real document than a virtual one
• Verify the source of information regarding any online content for authenticity, before believing in them
• Set a password of 8 characters or more with both small and capital letters and numbers
• Make sure you have logged out from your account or website, if you had entered them through someone else’s phone, laptop or desktop.
• Avoid monetary transactions with virtual currencies like crypto currency or bit coins. Remember, cheating is awful but being cheated on is disgraceful.

Online Shopping
As online seller

• Avoid giving exaggerated or fake pictures and/or descriptions of products.
• Be aware of customer’s privacy and security. Make sure that the customer does not face any harassment.
• Make sure to deliver the products to customers timely and honestly.

As online shopping buyer.

• Avoid viewing products online if you don’t need them i.e. window shopping. Don’t let the sale or any glamorous appearance of the products deceive you.
• Beware of the frauds. Read and follow the rules of the sites from where you are buying. Investigate on the authenticity and reliability of the seller. Be careful in each and every step from buying, receiving until paying for the product.
• Do not fall prey to the traitors. Check out the reliability of the site and vendor. Be aware of every step in understanding the declares dealing with the seller. Always apply clear judgment.

These Technologies are like Parasites, Living on your Nutrients

Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal

Educationalist, Writer and Professor, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology

The future of yourself, your country and the whole world depends on how you would use your brain, your intelligence. Do you know an astounding conspiracy is going on right now regarding this immensely valuable mysterious brain of yours? I’m pretty sure most of you even have stepped in the trap of this conspiracy, without even knowing it. This conspiracy is known as the Social Network.
As a teacher, I’ve been noticing a sudden weird depletion among the students regarding their behavioral qualities, since 2013-14. Their analytical ability and concentration has declined drastically. And I believe this the result of overusing Facebook and other similar social media.
Scientists have been comparing Facebook addiction with drug addiction. When an addict doesn’t get his drugs on the specific time, a special chemical is released in his brain. The scientific studeis say that a social network user shows similar symptoms- he becomes restless and agitated if s/he is unable to log in his account at the specific time. The special chemical is released in his brain as well. In other words, social network addiction s no different than drug addiction.

You must use technology, but make sure it doesn’t use you instead. Always remember, these modern technologies are like parasites living on your nutrients.
Let’s imagine a hypothetical scenario:
“You’ve grown older and have become a mother or a father. Your children are not grownups, they read is school or college. Now, after coming home you see your son or daughter smoking a cigarette with his/her feet on the table.
You ask him/her, ‘What are you doing dear?’
Your son/daughter smiles at you and says, ‘I’m smoking mom/dad.’
Then s/he puts his/her legs down and says, ‘I don’t feel like my meal would is complete without having at least one cigarette after the main course.’
After saying that, s/he took another blow in and released the black smoke from his/her mouth.
And you reply, ‘Ok dear, complete your homework after you are done with that.’
Then you come to your room and think- my son/daughter is such a nice child. He doesn’t go out and spoils his time with others; rather sits inside the house and smokes peacefully…..”
I know the guardians or parents among the audience is probably feeling mad at me, right now, after listening to this scenario. You might be saying, a mother or a father can never tolerate such a behavior.

Of course they can’t and they won’t.
Cigarette is addictive. There are also a lot of other addictions which we are not used to seeing around us. Therefore, a common example was used in this scenario as form of addiction.
We can never accept if our child is addicted to any kind of addiction. We would surely be concerned, worried and would do anything to bring him back on the right track. But, if this is really true then how can we allow our children to sit in front of Facebook for hours, see them getting addicted to it like that?

The issue that was doubtful in the beginning, has now become a proven truth through various research journals. The same reaction takes place in a person who is averted from Facebook, as someone who is averted from cocaine or any other form of drug; the same chemical is secreted and released in the brain. It’s quite obvious that this is not a simple childish entertainment anymore. This is as serious as drug addiction.

Some people might think my opinion or my speech is a bit extreme! The issue is still not that serious. But I can guarantee you that the issue is, in fact, pretty serious.
It is quite mysterious the way that a human brain works. A lot of a child’s ability, his/her brain structure and functional capability depends on how s/he utilized the brain during the time s/he was growing up. Therefore, it concerns me more to see someone younger addicted to Facebook than someone quite older.

We would be able to realize about 10 years later, about the harmful effects of our children spending all their time in front of a screen instead of running and playing around on open fields or playgrounds, now! But it would be quite late by then and we won’t be able to do anything. However, a bit of common sense now, could save us from the huge danger that’s coming ahead.
I’m not demeaning those who used the technology for a certain aim or target! But I surely show my concern for those who are being used by the technology.

All of you may not know that, the main purpose of the creators of this technology is to keep the user in their website or portal for longer, anyhow, by any means. For those who do not believe me, ‘When you visit any news or media website and look around, what do you see? There are a lot of important things happening around the world, but there’s not even a single sign of those stories! Or maybe just a few of the events alongside inflated and intriguing news which would keep hooked for longer. When you click in one news, you would be shown videos, one after another, without you even asking for them. And if you are not strong enough you might just waste hours and hours watching those unnecessary videos.

When you visit a website, they analyze and track your virtual behavior and would try push you to links and sites as per your ‘needs’. Just because you accepted the IT service, the cyber world knows almost everything about you.

Recently, I heard a real story about ‘Likes’. A young girl opened an account and posted something, hoping to get ‘likes’. When she saw no one noticed her posts or gave ‘likes’ she opened another account, and liked her own posts from the other account!
It might sound funny, but I was rather disappointed to hear that. I felt why a young girl of my country would grow up so poorly, with a meaningless purpose in life? Who decided that  ‘likes’ on a Facebook post gives meaning and purpose to life?
Even if you believe or not, Internet addiction specially Facebook addiction is certainly a hapless issue worth our concern. Therefore let me remind you, there IS a real physical life outside the online virtual world that we must live to the fullest.

[ Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal- Educationalist, writer and professor of Shahjalal Science and Technology University. Lately, he is trying to raise awareness about the harmful effect of social media to the youth and guardians. A summary of some selected points he made in a featured column and in the speech he gave in a convocation ceremony of Kushtiya Islami University on January 7, 2018, regarding this matter, has been comprised here. ]

Direct human interaction is needed than Facebook Communication

Professor Dr. Serajul Islam Chowdhury

Educationalist and Professor Emeritus of University of Dhaka

The problem is that most people of our society, especially the young ones, are affected by detachment, these days. This is a form of disease. Today, our families have become the victim of this ruthless disease of detachment, loneliness.

Hence, people within the society are not socializing or interacting with one another. There was a time when, community events played a key role in uniting people with one another- e.g. going to libraries, taking part in cultural programs, plays and functions, going to movies together etc. But they don’t do that anymore. People have even stopped going to movie theatres and prefer watching movies at their own homes, alone.

The societal connection is needed to fight this epidemic. Direct human interaction, is necessary rather than Facebook communication. We must arrange for social and cultural programs in schools, educational institutions, neighborhood etc. as opposed to writing, singing, watching movies at home alone.

It is my belief that in this way, we can establish a strong protest against the ever increasing epidemic of detachment. Because we cannot survive if this is allowed to continue. At the end, it is up to us to pave the path for change.

The Child wants Example, NOT Advice

Abul Momen

Poet, writer and columnist

I’ve seen while working with the children in the 41 years of my career, that children never learn from words. They hate advice but want examples. They learn by observing. The way they try to fit in larger shoes and dresses of their elders, they also learn manners and behavior from them.

The parents can’t expect their children to be well-behaved and calm when they keep or arguing all day! He must be presented with proper examples so he understands the difference between right and wrong, so he knows what is acceptable. The parents must also ensure that he gets the age appropriate knowledge as well. He must be provided with ‘learning of life’. The schools in our country don’t take the responsibility of those knowledge, hence it’s the parents’ job, it’s the family’s job.

If all get occupied with GPA-5, the children won’t be able to develop completely. He might score great in English and Mathematics, but he would fail in humanity, he won’t become a humane, a good human. And that would cause him to commit several mistakes as the place for values and morals in his life is empty.

A generation is being constructed that cannot differ between right and wrong. If the truth is 100 percent the lie would be 0. But they tend to think the lie is 80 percent and they can reach the truth with this lie. A society, a nation cannot move forward or advance in this way.

Our Freedom has Surely Increased but Our Awareness hasn’t

Anwara Syed Haque

Psychologist and Fiction Writer

We didn’t have Facebook in the past, but we had peace. Nowadays, people can’t even sit for sometime without checking Facebook notifications and updates. They can’t even sleep properly if they don’t see people’s statuses, bitch about various things and answer to people’s comments.
What do people do nowadays? Whatever the news is, whatever incident is, the first thing they do it post them on Facebook, whether positively or negatively. And a lot more people got hold of the information in moments. A relationship of so many days just got destroyed in a blow of air with a stupid comment!

This is how we are destroying our own peace. At the same time, increasing the hostility, fraud and deception among familial relationships. Our freedom has certainly increased but not our awareness. Hence, our human qualities are getting ruined because of this restlessness.

We must not be Controlled by Machines

Professor D. Aminul Islam

Renowned writer, Researcher and Professor of Philosophy, Dhaka University

I was studying in abroad back then. At that time I heard, the individuals working in the nuclear center needed to get a mental health check up every day before going in to their office and after coming out of there. Because, if an individual presses one button instead of another, the whole world would suffer. But how long would these tests work? The person who is completely consumed by a machine, must come out of the control of the machine in order to survive as a human!

We express our pride about the current generation. People are traveling the universe, their power and wealth has unimaginably increased. There’s a drastic advancement in technology and economy. But wealth-knowledge-fame- are these everything? What about the simultaneous increase of violence, hatred, feuds and murders? And the decrease in compassion and empathy! This says, we might have earned a lot in this generation, for sure, but probably, sacrificed a lot more….

This Technology Addiction is Damaging Children’s Brains

Prof. Dr. Abid Hossain Molla

Pediatrician, Head of Pediatrics Department, BIRDEM General Hospital

Many of the children are unable to speak even after reaching the proper age. When we ask the parents about their lifestyle, the answers are pretty much obvious! In most cases, the parents leave for office and leave the children to their maids, where they both watch television for the whole day. And then there are some parents who feed their children by making them watch cartoons and videos. They are basically making their kids addicted.

The children sleep after 12 and wake up at 9. Or stay up until morning and wake up at 12pm. They are learning to watch TV late at night from their parents. The lack of sleep is damaging their brain. Whenever they are at home, they are always staring at the screen. This is increasing their obesity and harming their eyesight. About 1 and a half years ago a national lead news was that more than 50% of the children nowadays need specs. On top of that there’s also the effect of radiation. Many can’t even hear properly. Their attention in studies is decreasing as well.

Nowadays, all they can think is smartphones! And that’s why they aren’t even learning the social manners and etiquettes, proper communication skills or even a normal life. As if they are becoming non-living things with technology addiction. The main reason for the health and social issues is this virtual virus.

I believe, the parents should become careful right away. They must bring themselves and their family in discipline. They must use the smarphones and other similar gadgets moderately, within limitation.

The Families are becoming Isolated

Asaduzzaman Noor

Renowned cultural personality and the Minister of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs

There’s a school near my place. Every day, I stand in my balcony and see the mothers forcing their children to get inside the school. The children don’t want to go to school at that hour that too with such a heavy bag filled with books that they can’t even stand properly. The school is a three storey building without any playground or any playing field.

Nowadays, a kid’s life revolves around class, homework and cartoon. S/he doesn’t have any natural environment with rivers, fields, huge blue sky, numerous flying birds, colorful flowers etc. They don’t even get to spend much time with their parents either. Not just parent, people don’t even have time for spouses these days. Everyone is busy watching sports and serials. And this is how the families are getting isolated, the individuals are getting detached.

Few days back, the honorable prime minister said that only academic education is not enough for the children. We must create opportunities for them to develop their cultural and other aspects; help them become all rounder. Because if his emotions are guided on the wrong path he could turn into a monster than a good human being! And we don’t want monstrous society but a humane one.

[ Asaduzzaman Noor- renowned cultural personality and the minister of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs- said these in an open discussion program of Quantum Foundation ]

Games teach Gang Culture

Prof. Dr. Syed Monjurul Islam

Professor of English Department, Dhaka University

Firstly the family and secondly the education system is to be held responsible for the current state of the country! The main motto and the mentality of the families are now materialistic and worldly development. This has given rise to corruption and the families are drifting away from moral and ethical values. And one of the impact is on the children and adolescents. This certificate or degree based education system is unable to provide the children any entertainment or rest. Either they play games or use Facebook. Games teach gang culture, not the team spirit or togetherness that is learnt by playing on the fields with real friends.

No Cell Phone before 16

Professor Dr. Pran Gopal Datta

Former Vice Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and renowned ENT specialist and surgeon

Mobile phones have become our all time company these days. A lot of necessities are being fulfilled by our phones. But do you realize how much harm you are causing to yourself because of that?
The electromagnetic radiation that the phone emits all the time, has very dangerous effects on our health, especially for children who are less than 16, pregnant women and sick patients.
Scientists say, the radiation of the mobile phone is equivalent to the radiation of a microwave oven. And when you hold the phone near your ears for 15 minutes or more, your face and head heat up due to the abnormal amount of radiation. Needless to say that as you keep on talking for longer over the phone, the temperature also keeps on increasing. For example, the temperature increases only by 0.5 degree Celsius when you talk for 3 minutes. But when you keep on talking for 15 minutes the temperature increases by 2 degree Celsius. The normal temperature of the body is 98 degree Fahrenheit which increases to 103 degree Fahrenheit. This temperature is enough to cause a seizure attack in babies.

And that’s exactly why you can hear stories of the ears or hands getting burned while speaking over the phone. According to doctors, the mental and physical impacts that can be caused due to cell phones include headache, laziness, insomnia, memory depletion, pain in bones of hands and hearing loss.

The researchers have found a connection between brain cancer and mobile phones. Same goes for brain tumor. Mobile phones causes harm to the brain cells and DNA. And we know, the reproduction of abnormal or harmful DNA gives rise to tumor.

The most probable tumor that can be caused by cell phones are the Acoustic Neuroma- the tumor of hearing nerves. In an intensive study on brain cancer the scientists have shown, if someone overuses their mobile phones for 1-5 years, then his chances of brain tumor increases by 125%. If he overuses for 5-10 years, then it increases by 250%. And who overuses for 15 years, the chances increase by 275%.

Recently, the number of salivary gland tumor has increased as well. I’ve observed this in my profession! I have to conduct operations for 4-5 salivary gland tumors every month. Thyroid cancer, infertility and birth of handicapped babies are increasing each day. The most possible reason for this is the construction of mobile phone towers at unsafe height within the local area and uncontrolled use of mobile phones.

But how can we prevent that? It is next to impossible to go without mobile phones in this modern life. But there are some preventions and safety measure you can taken-

• Limit your time to 3 minutes while talking on mobile phone. If you can manage it over text then avoid speaking on the phone.
• Prepare a budget for mobile phone expenses at the beginning of the month or week. Specify budget for internet connection as well.
• After talking for once wait for 15 minutes. Stay completely away from the phone in that time.
• Instead of putting the cell phone directly to your ears, use a speaker phone, headset or other hands-free tools while speaking. However, do not use it with a loud volume as that might affect your hearing.
• Try to keep the mobile phone away from the body when it is switched on. Keep 5/6 feet away from your head while sleeping.
• Feature phone’s radio frequency radiation is less than Smartphone’s. Use feature phone if possible.
• Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and all these services of Smartphone unless you need them. Not just the RF radiation, but you might as well be giving away information about your personal activities to the tech companies.
• Do not use a mobile phone if you have land phone or conventional phone set.
• The doctors and nurses should also aware about the use of phones. The less it is used in the ICU or operation theater, the better.
• Finally, keep children away from mobile phones. We should treat the phone like a bottle of poison, and keep it away from children at all times.

Use of Modern Gadgets are Obstacle for Children’s Brain Development

Prof. Dr. Shahida Akhter

Pediatrician and Head of Neonatal Unit, BIRDEM General Hospital

The neurons in the brain of a newborn baby communicates with each other constantly. And that’s how his brain develops. Every second 700 synapses are created in the baby’s brain for a better communication. The result of the whole process depends of the atmosphere, environment and the conversation around the baby.

Therefore, an optimum stimulus is required in his atmosphere for him to respond to it, for the proper development of his brain. For example: When a baby is curious about something and/or asks about something, the family members answer to that, they say it’s name. But TV, Mobile phone, Tab and Ipads provide only one way communication, they don’t have a feature to respond to the baby’s reaction or have a conversation! Therefore, it hampers the proper development of brain of the baby. This could also cause a permanent damage to the brain as well.

We must Ensure the Limited Use of Technology

Prof. Dr. Md. Kaykobad

Educationalist and Professor of Computer Science and Engineering Department, BUET

When a mobile phone operates advertises ‘The more you talk, the more you save’, we never think save what? Since it’s cheaper to talk at night, people are staying up late to talk at  night. This is our social picture!

We used to use telephones as well, but that was a necessity. And now, millions of amounts of money are being drained for useless unnecessary talking. Whereas people in many advanced countries don’t use mobile phones like this.

Mobile phone is very dangerous. Children cross roads with phones and headphones in their ears, without even realizing what’s happening around them. The drivers are driving while talking over the phone. These things overall is increasing the number of accidents, as well.
I feel like, the children are unable to focus on any subject due to the overuse of mobile phones and other electronic gadgets. These devices like smartphones are reducing our creativity, our thinking capacity.

About 20-25 years ago, Andrew Wiles, a British mathematician who solved the Fermat’s Last Theorem, worked on it for 7 years. He spent seven years to solve one problem- that was the level of focus! One cannot succeed if s/he cannot focus like this. Finding the solutions of the problems always depend on how dedicatedly one tries to solve it.

Scientist Einstein said, ‘It’s not that I’m so smart. It’s just that I stay with problems longer.’ Actually, this is the key to success. But the students nowadays, cannot focus on one thing for a long time.
If we don’t run then the muscles and flesh of our legs won’t get strong. If we don’t use our hands then the muscles of the hands and arms won’t get strong. Similarly, if we don’t think our brain won’t be strong enough. And if we keep busy in playing games in the phone or speaking with people over the phone, then the thought process would never develop, their brains would never develop!
Everything has become dependent on internet nowadays. Whether we hang out with friends, share our experiences or speak about our feelings, we do it through our phones. This is also a huge waste of money. A big amount of the youth is growing up without the teachings of proper moral values.
Therefore, we must ensure the limited use of technology including smartphones. And most importantly, discourage the children to waste their time after this stupid gadgets.

Don’t Waste Time on Internet

Mashrafe Bin Mortaza

Captain of One Day Internationals, Bangladesh National Cricket Team

Now-a-days our young generation is not into sports or studying or reading storybooks or newspapers. Firstly, we need to find out the reason behind this. It’s easy to blame the youth, but we must also check what the elders are doing for them.

Our social and familial bonds are fading away. Parents used to spend a lot of time with children. Now they are too busy to even take care of them. As a result, kids are growing up alone. Parents are providing them with smart phones, tabs so that kids keep busy and don’t disturb them. Eventually children are becoming addicted and their lives are confined to the digital screen. This closed door environment makes them self-centered. Some of them get addicted to more serious crimes. Most of them don’t even know that there are other ways to enjoy life than just the digital screen.

So, we, the seniors, must play our roles properly before holding the youth responsible for decadence. Before amplifying their mistakes, we must correct them. Before punishing them, we must inspire their good deeds. It’s our parents and families who must take the first and foremost step ahead.

Play outdoor sport, shun social media: Kohli to youth

Prothom Alo, May 7, 2018; Times of India, November 9, 2017 

India captain Virat Kohli, who is known for his exemplary fitness as much as for his exceptional cricketing skills, advised the youth of the country to play outdoor sport and not waste too much time on social media.

"These days you see kids playing video games a lot more than outdoor sport. Physical activity is very important. And my message is not just for the youth, it is for everyone in our country," said Kohli. He also advised the youngsters to stay away from social media. "One should spend only limited time on social media rather being on it for major part of the day, like what is happening nowadays. I too used to spend a lot of time on social media but now I have realized it is a waste of time. You can use your time in doing something much more productive.”
PUMA conducted a research recently where it found out that people these days spend around 4-5 hours on smart phones every day. Technology and social media are causing more harm than helping. People are forgetting their priorities and missing out on activities necessary for physical and mental development. 

‘Everything is possible when you are fit’ –has been the development mantra for Kohli who himself has been sort of a chubby guy before joining the Indian national cricket team. He claims after being fit he could turn himself into such a fierce, prudent captain. He adds, “Even if I were not a professional cricket player, I can’t imagine my life without fitness. Being fit makes you confident. And when you feel good, you think in a positive manner which is very important for growing better.”

The Break-up Cycle

Pauper ,

The emotionally disturbed-
Hope you are recovering well. Trying to commit suicide was a bad- very bad idea. And the worst part was to write a letter blaming me for it! This actually proves that my decision was right and, contrary to your parents’ belief, you ARE mentally instable. I felt for you, you know? Well, don’t think I’m lying just because I didn’t visit you in the hospital. But, unlike you, some people have a life bigger than just facebooking, hanging out with friends and playing guitar in a local band, which by the way is far more irritating than your silly facebook statuses! So, honestly, I couldn’t make it as I was busy with my stuff.

Why the face? In case you are wondering, yes, my ‘stuff’ does include spending time with my Prince. He bought a new car recently- Red, as I’ve always wanted. We went on a long drive the other day. And I discovered I like cars better than rickshaws. At least, my clothes are not ruined when it rains, as it happened when I went on a long rickshaw-ride with you! Remember I told you it was romantic? Well, yes, it was indeed. But only once. The other times under the scorching sun, in 39 Celsius… I DID NOT like those rides with you! I lied when I said otherwise, as a very kind person I was just trying to make you feel good. How come you didn’t notice my discomfort and perspiration and anger and disappointment? But then, how would you? You don’t even have a car! Another thing, I HATE fuchka and chotpoti! Do you have any idea how unhygenic they are? There is no place to sit even! Who goes there! You’ve always wondered why I haven’t told my younger sister about our “dates”. The reason is I was embarrassed! Even our dad takes us to Pizza Hut or A&W, not some filthy-tacky- chotpoti place! And seriously speaking, singing “Ek main aur ekk tu” aloud--sitting on a field with street urchins hanging around and beggars crawling all over you--is more disgusting than romantic.

But then, did you ever care about being “romantic”? All your attention was focused on being “erotic” instead! Yeah, yeah, yeah- I indulged, since you are ONLY good at that, by the way. You are moderately handsome I must admit. Going out with you was like wearing Prada or Armani. Everyone noticed us! Although, I obviously attracted the bigger share of their attention, I do give you some credit. But hanging out with a handsome hunk is great as long as you don’t have to survive the ‘dressing room’! Do you know, you take more time than me for taking a bath & getting ready? Sometimes I wonder how much you spend on your hair-gel and cosmetics. You even wore matching shoes/snickers with each of your jerseys! Come on- how phony is that for a ‘wanna be’ model?
So, after taking all these matters into consideration, I have decided to date another guy whom I can marry. In case you have started tearing this letter, do remember that you are NOT a ‘husband material’. Even if I forget every other detail, how can I tolerate the thousands of female-friends that you have? I enjoyed them once, when I liked to see the jealousy in their eyes with you in my arms. But this constant flirting and chatting and hugging and ‘buddying’ with girls- is not something I expect from my husband. We, especially you, needed them to complete assignments, and give attendance. But this constant dependence on girls to help you pass exams with a staggering D/D+ (rarely C- even) is off the limits. Don’t tell me they did it for free. I have seen you spending time with them and taking photos with them in intimate posture. These habits can’t be changed. So don’t sell me the crap that you’ll turn out to be someone decent.

Listen, you are just good at being a boyfriend. To be my husband you need to ‘evolve’ for another century. A good career, a decent family and a ‘white’ background are essential. And I hate to put this to you- but you suck at all of them!!! So don’t raise your hopes and STOP BLAMING ME FOR YOUR SUICIDE. The last thing I want is to have your mother crying in my living room to visit you and asking me to “breathe some life into you”.

[If my boyfriend knows anything about my past and especially you, you won’t need to commit suicide. I’ll personally make sure that you go to hell!]
Sincerely,

The beautiful Princess.

Your Kids: Are They Straying Away from You?

Going along with trend has always it’s price. And this time it probably has cost a much expensive essentiality of the next generation. In trying to buy their happiness we might have forgotten those basic needs. What exactly are those needs?
A report came out in TIME magazine concluding the disastrous state of the teenagers in America; which included the following findings:
One in five middle-school students consider suicide as a solution to peer cruelty, 70% of college kids admit to cheating in class, and one-third of all college student report having felt so depressed that they had trouble functioning.
The reason behind this situation is believed to be the rise in social media  and the changes in their culture and parenting style, that the children have become self absorbed and narcissistic- developing the “Selfie Syndrome” as it is named.


The teenage society of USA is way more selfish and self centered than before. Even 30 years ago they were empathic, and thought about their future, which don’t exist anymore. A study also estimates that narcissism rates among college students are up 58% versus three decades ago. And this has given rise to culture of bullying, cheating and unhappiness.
No society is really immune to such effects of narcissism. In today’s world, parents are mainly concerned about their children’s academic performance forgoing the initial, primary necessity of morals values or principles.
And apparently, that’s allowing their children to become a detached self centered and sole individuals. Nowadays, the kids don’t even associate much with their own siblings, treating them like outsiders, if not complete strangers. They’ve become pretty sucked up in their own lives, in their own world, that they don’t have any concern for anything, at all, other than themselves. What could be our recourse against it? Well, here are some suggestions to be followed...
Our actions to combat the situation:

1. Teach them to share their stuffs. It could be a chocolate, food, toys or any of their favorite things- they need to learn to share them with their siblings, cousins, friends and/or relatives.
2. Teach them to do their work themselves. Starting from organizing their bedrooms to staying clean and organized themselves. Raise them in such manner, that they would be able to dress themselves for school, wash up, eat and take all the responsibility for their own work.
3. You should also teach them to help in household chores. Let them contribute in your works as well; make him feel old enough to be a part of the responsibilities and/or duties.
4. Don’t let your children develop the habit of staying in their room, alone all day. Make them share their room with siblings or any other family member.
5. Make sure they aren’t always submerged in their gadgets and see the world beyond their cell phones.
6. Even if they need to stay in separate rooms after a certain age, make sure the door isn’t always shut.
7. Introduce them to the guests arriving at your place, and also take them along with you when attending functions or invites.
8. Encourage them to spend time with family members and yourselves, instead of keeping them busy with studies or training all the time.
9. Besides, when talking to your children don’t always talk about their education or grades; but also about their hobbies, interests and friends.
10. Help them acknowledge their passion for creative tasks like painting, singing or inventing.
11. Educate them in the light of religious teachings and views- as per your own religion. And ask them to follow, accordingly.
12. Get your children associate with philanthropic activities or associations. Encourage them for charity, to help others and develop empathy for others.

Love or Biological Attraction?

Valentine’s Day: A day celebrated to express your love to the respective girlfriend or boyfriend with gifts, chocolates, an outing trip or date, to make her/him feel special. But have we ever considered the true meaning of love. The so called LOVE that we speak about, is it really real or just a release of some hormones? Is it love or a mental sickness? Let’s find out…
Helen Fisher of Rutgers University in the States has proposed 3 stages of love – lust, attraction and attachment. Each stage might be driven by different hormones and chemicals.
The first stage of this great emotion is ‘Lust’ which is driven by the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen- in men and women.

The second stage is ‘Attraction’.  This is the time when you’d be called “love struck”, being unable to think about anything else but your special one. Scientists believe, there are 3 main neurotransmitters involved in this stage- adrenaline, dopamine and serotonin.
The first hormone- adrenaline- is basically a stress hormone causing responses like racing heart, sweating palms and dry mouth.

Secondly, Dopamine, which a “pleasure” hormone, stimulating ‘desire and reward’ function of the brain. This is a similar effect caused when you take drugs. The less need for sleep or food and yet an exciting and delighted mood- is a result of this hormone, secreted when you are in ‘Love’.
Finally, Serotonin- which causes the special one to dwell around your thoughts, all the time.
Dr. Donatella Marazziti, a psychiatrist at the university of Pisa, Italy, wanted to study further about it. In her study, she chose 20 couples who had been madly in love for 6 months to see if their brain mechanism of the constant thought about the lover, were similar to that of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). And her doubts were confirmed, when the results showed, the serotonin level of the new lovers were similar to that of the OCD patients.

This ultimately, certifies, that falling in love is a mental illness, as per the researches. Perhaps, that’s why people in love tend to believe that no feelings on earth is deeper than the feelings of love.
Psychologists, however, believe that the reaction is necessary, if we have to step to the next level, which is ‘Attachment’.
Attachment is the bond that keeps couples together long enough for them to have and raise children. And the hormones involved in this case are: oxytocin and vasopressin.
The post coital hormone Oxytocin- is the hormone responsible to deepen the bond between the spouse. This hormone also helps to strengthen the bond between the mother and her baby, and is also released during child birth.

In a research done by Diane Witt, the assistant professor of psychology from New York, it was found that when the natural release of oxytocin was blocked in sheep and rats, they rejected their own children.
And likewise, injecting the hormone in the female rats who never had sex, caused them to love the young of another female, caring and protecting them as if they were their own.
Vasopressin is another important hormone in the long-term commitment stage and is released after sex. In a research performed on voles, it was found that by suppressing the effect of vasopressin in them, the bond with their respective partners deteriorated immediately, as they lost their devotion and failed to protect their partner from other suitors.
Actually, the whole process of love is a set of physical and chemical reactions in the body than anything great or exquisite. These overall thing is merely a means of preserving the bloodline, the ancestry.