The Hidden Dangers of Feeding Children with a Mobile Phone

In today’s digital age, it has become common for children to demand mobile phones during meals. Playing cartoons, music, or videos seems to encourage them to eat, but as soon as the screen is turned off, tantrums and refusals begin. Parents often wonder: why do children struggle to eat without a mobile phone, and is this habit safe?

According to pediatricians, psychologists, and child development experts, using a mobile phone to feed children may seem convenient, but it carries serious long-term risks.

 

Are Children Really Learning to Eat?

Experts in parenting question whether children actually learn to eat properly or simply develop a habit of swallowing food without tasting it. As Indian child therapist Mohit Randeep notes:

“whilst a child’s eyes are glued to the cellular display screen, they neither appreciate the taste nor understand the dietary value of their meals in fact, the kid isn't always consuming, despite parents' claims to the contrary.”

 

Understanding the Root Causes

A child refusing food can have multiple causes:

·         Lack of hunger

·         Physical discomfort or illness

·         Dislike for certain tastes or smells

·         Natural resistance to being forced

Sometimes, children keep food in their mouths without chewing, signaling their reluctance. Parents often worry that children will miss out on nutrition, leading to over-reliance on mobile phones to feed them.

 

Short-Term Convenience, Long-Term Risks

Feeding children while chatting or playing with them takes time and patience. Busy parents often prefer playing videos to finish mealtime quickly. But according to experts, this “easy solution” affects children’s physical and mental health.

in step with a report from UNICEF and the world health company (WHO), about 2.4% of youngsters under the age of five inside the u.s.a. are obese or overweight. Globally, over 3 million children under five are affected by obesity, highlighting the risk of screen-induced overeating.

 

How Mobile Phones Affect Eating Habits

Psychologists explain that watching a mobile screen while eating prevents children from recognizing:

·         What they are eating

·         How much they are eating

·         When they are full

Inadvertently, parents continue to feed their children, which frequently results in child obesity and overeating.

 

Realistic Solutions for Parents

Many parents struggle to keep screens away during mealtime, but the long-term harm of mobile phone dependence far outweighs temporary convenience. Experts recommend:

·         Accept that children may eat less than adults expect

·         Wait for natural hunger signals; children will eat when ready

·         Make meals visually appealing: colorful plates, fun shapes, and creative presentations

·         Include children in cooking; allow them to observe the process

·         Introduce books, vegetables, or educational tools to teach nutrition

·         Encourage family meals; seeing others enjoy food increases interest

By transforming eating into a joyful experience, the need for mobile phones during meals diminishes. Patience, awareness, and consistent habits help children break free from this silent addiction.

source : online news site