Technology's Positive Use Essential, Not Its Opposition, Expert Advises
A free anti-drug counseling session, organized by Prothom Alo Trust, was held on June 25, 2026, at the Prothom Alo office. This event marked the 178th online counseling session, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The session's theme was 'Global Drug Problem: Ongoing Crisis, New Challenges, and Innovative Outcomes.' Prominent child and adolescent psychiatrist Professor Dr. Helal Ahmed provided consultations during the event. Dr. Ahmed addressed concerns about parents and children both being engrossed in devices, questioning if this digital age hinders providing a balanced environment for children. He clarified that while parents may have deviated from optimal usage, technology itself is a significant aid for child development. He stressed that familiarity with these devices is crucial for children to thrive in an advancing world, emphasizing that the issue lies not with technology but with our mindset and its application. The critical factor is whether children utilize these tools positively and productively or harm themselves through negative engagement. Dr. Ahmed likened technology's use to electricity, which is essential for modern life but must be handled with caution. He advised parents to 'regulate' technology use, similar to how electrical wires are insulated and controlled. He warned that excessive engagement, such as constant online gaming or scrolling, can impede social development. Overuse can lead to sleep disturbances, altered sleep patterns, aggressive behavior, and distorted tastes due to short-form content consumption. Therefore, he concluded, technology should be viewed as a beneficial tool whose positive application must be ensured, rather than as an adversary.
This discussion highlights a common dilemma in the digital age: balancing the undeniable benefits of technology with its potential for negative impacts on child development. The expert's analogy to electricity underscores the need for mindful regulation rather than outright prohibition. The challenge lies in developing effective 'mindsets' and 'usage' strategies for both parents and children. Future societal structures will need to integrate digital literacy and responsible technology consumption as core components of education and well-being. The long-term implications of unchecked digital immersion on social skills, mental health, and cognitive development warrant continued research and adaptive parenting and educational frameworks. The core tension is how to harness technology's power for progress without succumbing to its distracting or detrimental aspects, a challenge that will likely intensify with advancements in AI and immersive digital environments.
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