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.