𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍 – 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡?

…𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏

We live in an age where mobile phones have become inseparable from our daily lives. The entire world has embraced mobile services, and they now form a vital part of modern living. From communication and entertainment to education and health care, mobile technology plays a central role in how societies function today. It offers clear advantages compared to traditional methods of service delivery, especially in improving productivity, encouraging innovation, and supporting real-time communication.

In the field of health care, mobile technology enables doctors and health workers to offer remote consultations, monitor patient conditions, and deliver services even in the most remote areas. In the education sector, digital platforms provide access to global resources, making learning more flexible and interactive. Mobile applications support creativity, problem-solving, and personal development. These are undeniable benefits, showing how far humanity has progressed through technology.

However, these advancements come with responsibilities. Overdependence on mobile phones can quietly affect our lives in harmful ways. One of the most pressing concerns is the impact on human relationships. While mobile phones help us stay connected with people across distances, they can also become barriers to genuine, face-to-face interactions. Families may sit in the same room, yet be emotionally distant due to screen addiction. True conversations and meaningful moments are replaced with shallow engagement.

In Bhutan, a country guided by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, we must pay close attention to how mobile phones are influencing our social structure, especially among children and young people. Many parents today struggle to control mobile usage at home. Children often use phones for games, entertainment, or social media without understanding the consequences. Parents feel helpless when they try to take devices away, often facing resistance or emotional outbursts.

There are growing health concerns too. Prolonged use of mobile phones may expose users to harmful radiation. Although research continues, some studies suggest a possible link between frequent mobile use and health risks such as tumors and brain function disruption. Children are particularly vulnerable because their brains and bodies are still developing. Long hours spent on phones can also affect their sleeping patterns. Staying up late to watch videos or talk to friends results in tiredness, lack of focus, and decreased performance in school.

The impact on education is significant. Phones can become major distractions during class hours. Students may use them to play games or chat with friends when they should be paying attention. This affects learning, causes a drop in academic performance, and contributes to a lack of discipline. In some cases, students misuse mobile phones to cheat during exams, using tools such as calculators or searching answers online where it is not allowed. This form of dishonesty may improve scores temporarily, but it leads to the loss of integrity and poor character development.
Access to inappropriate content is another serious issue. Without proper guidance, children may view or even share disturbing material. This can leave deep emotional scars and cause humiliation. Mobile phones also expose children to the dangers of cyberbullying. Hurtful messages, online teasing, or harassment can damage mental health and self-esteem, sometimes leading to depression or anxiety.

Physical well-being is equally at risk. Children who spend most of their time using mobile phones often avoid outdoor activities. They miss out on physical exercise and fresh air, putting them at risk of obesity and other health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Poor posture is another concern. Sitting with a bent neck and slouched shoulders for long periods can cause long-term discomfort and chronic pain in the back and neck.

Furthermore, children who are constantly glued to screens may find it difficult to interact with others in person. Social skills may remain underdeveloped. These children may struggle with making friends, expressing emotions, or participating in group discussions. As adults, they may find it hard to build healthy relationships or succeed in the workplace.

So how do we deal with this growing challenge?
The answer lies in awareness and action. Parents and educators must work together to create healthy digital habits. This includes setting limits on screen time, encouraging outdoor play, and promoting creative activities that do not involve screens. Schools can introduce digital literacy programs to help students understand both the benefits and risks of mobile technology.

Adults must also set a good example. If children see their parents using phones excessively, they are likely to follow the same pattern. Family meals, conversations, and shared activities should be done without devices. This creates stronger bonds and teaches the importance of being present in the moment.

Mobile phones are powerful tools, but like any tool, they must be used wisely. They are a product of human innovation, but they should never replace human values. Let us not allow technology to dominate our minds or shape our character in negative ways. Instead, we should use mobile technology to enhance our lives while protecting our health, relationships, and well-being.

As Bhutanese from a nation that treasures happiness and harmony, we must act early and wisely. Let us build a generation that can balance progress with responsibility. In this rapidly changing world, wisdom and mindfulness are the true companions of innovation.

Tshering, Thimphu