Do you agree or disagree that the increase in young people's use of electronic devices for leisure has more negative effects than positive ones on their development and well-being?

The debate on whether the surge in electronic device usage among the youth has more drawbacks than benefits is quite pertinent. I am inclined to believe that the negatives do outweigh the positives in this scenario. Beginning with the adverse impacts, excessive screen time can hinder a young person's social and cognitive development. Interpersonal skills, critical for success later in life, are best honed through face-to-face interactions. Yet, with increased device use, children are spending more time in a virtual world, leading to declines in their ability to communicate effectively and empathize with others. An illustration of this is the alarming rise in cyberbullying, with youths hiding behind screens to target peers without seeing the real-world impact of their actions. This not only stunts their emotional growth but can also leave lasting scars on both the bully and the victim. Moreover, there is an undeniable effect on physical health to consider. Many young individuals find themselves sedentary for extended periods, often resulting in obesity, poor posture, and eye strain. This is compounded by the tendency for screens to disrupt sleep patterns, which is essential to growth and learning. For example, numerous studies have linked blue light exposure from screens before bedtime with reduced sleep quality in adolescents. Overall, the increase in electronic device use for leisure can impede young people's development of vital social skills and adversely affect their physical well-being. Despite the accessibility of information and potential for educational games, these benefits are not sufficient to outweigh the negative implications for youth development and health. It is crucial, therefore, to foster a balanced approach to electronic device use among young individuals to ensure their holistic well-being.