Reduced interest in books if exposed to technology too early

SHAH ALAM - Early exposure to technology, especially gadgets, may lead to learning fatigue and reduce children’s interest in physical books.

This was one of the reactions shared by parents regarding the potential effects of early exposure to gadgets on young people.

Father of three, Muhd Eyzal Ikram Mohamad, 41, noted that children might struggle with problem-solving and critical thinking if they relied solely on gadgets for information, rather than engaging with reading materials.

He said parents bear the responsibility of monitoring technology use and instilling a reading habit in children from an early age.

“Today’s children are no longer interested in books. Parents, being closest to them, need to set an example—if we ask them not to play with the phone, we should demonstrate by refraining from it ourselves. Children naturally follow the examples they see.

“Reading culture is crucial, especially at a young age, as it nurtures critical thinking, rather than depending solely on the internet for readily available information.

“Additionally, with the current technology, there are many risks of misuse, such as pornography and addiction to video games. As a father, I am worried about this situation,” said the public servant.

Previously, it was reported that children face a higher risk of mental health issues if exposed to smartphones before the age of 16.

Meanwhile, University of Nottingham Malaysia School of Politics and International Relations Associate Professor Dr Tricia Yeoh suggested that the best approach to prevent children from facing mental issues is by introducing them to traditional materials.

This issue was debated during a roundtable discussion titled ‘Creating Resolutions: The Malaysian Education System After 60 Years, Where Did It Go Wrong?’ streamed on Sinar Harian’s news portal on Monday.

Meanwhile, lab assistant Rosfadzilah Ahmad, 44, expressed that gadgets presented a challenge for parents today, as children show little interest in physical books.

“Smartphones have now become almost a necessity for children to study, rather than relying on books. This may be because they are easier to access; information can be quickly found online by typing a query.

“This has made children less inclined to make an effort and delve deeper, as everything is easily accessible. Online classes also contribute to this, allowing them to attend classes from home.

“Previously, children spent more time with friends, playing, reading together, and so on, but now they prefer to isolate themselves with gadgets,” she said.