As consequências no desenvolvimento dos pré-adolescentes decorrentes ao uso indiscriminado do aparelho móvel.

Abstract

Due to the indiscriminate use of mobile devices during growth and development, it has created stereotypes and risks for adolescents. This descriptive and exploratory research aims to assess the potential effects of prolonged mobile device use by pre-adolescents, particularly the health risks. It was conducted with a group of pre-adolescents at a public school in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul. Furthermore, the specific objectives were to assess the likely benefits and risks of mobile device use among adolescents aged 10 to 12. Data collection involved administering semi-structured questionnaires to 54 students at the public school, containing 15 questions addressing sociodemographic data, growth and development, mental health, physical health, and social-digital health. The results showed that all respondents had access to a cell phone with internet access, which they used primarily for online gaming and watching YouTube videos, both for school and leisure activities. Reports of cyberbullying and the use of fake profiles emerged, as well as perceptions of benefits, such as study support, and harms, such as exposure to inappropriate content. Health impacts were also mentioned, including visual problems, postural pain, and sleep disorders, the latter affecting 40.7% of participants. At the end of the analysis, we can conclude that indiscriminate cell phone use is already causing harm; children are becoming increasingly sedentary, preferring virtual life, and another aggravating factor is the lack of supervision from their guardians.