Gen Z is often blamed for spending too much time on mobile phones, social media and the digital world. Many parents feel that today’s children are becoming emotionally distant and are less interested in spending time with family. But before blaming an entire generation, perhaps we need to look at how our own homes and family life have changed.
Children learn from the environment around them. They watch their parents, follow their habits and slowly develop their own lifestyle. If children spend hours on their phones, it is also important to ask what kind of environment they are growing up in.
Azeem Khan, a resident of Greater Noida West, believes that technology alone should not be blamed for the changing behaviour of children.
“We often blame Gen Z for spending too much time on phones, but we should also ask how much time we are giving them. Children need attention, conversation and a feeling that someone is always there to listen.”
Azeem Khan, Parent and resident of Greater Noida West
Life today is busy. Parents are managing jobs, household responsibilities and financial pressures. Children have school, tuition and their own online lives. By the end of the day, everyone is tired and often turns to a mobile phone for relaxation.
Slowly, conversations become shorter and family time becomes less frequent. Everyone may be living in the same house, but each person can be busy in a separate world. We are connected to hundreds of people online, yet sometimes disconnected from the people sitting right next to us.
Parents today work hard to provide their children with good schools, comfortable homes, personal space and the latest technology. There is nothing wrong with providing these facilities. However, along with these things, children also need time and emotional support.
“A child may have the best phone, the best school and every comfort, but nothing can replace the feeling of being heard at home. Sometimes, children do not need advice. They simply need someone to listen.”
Azeem Khan, Resident of ATS Homekraft, GNW
Privacy and independence are also important as children grow older. However, personal space should not become emotional distance. If every family member spends most of their time behind closed doors, parents may slowly lose touch with what their children are thinking and children may stop sharing their problems.
Simple habits can help families stay connected. Eating a meal together, going for a walk or spending some time talking at the end of the day can make a difference. These small moments may seem ordinary, but they help build trust and stronger relationships.
Another major change can be seen in the relationship between children and grandparents. Earlier, grandparents were an important part of everyday family life. They shared stories, experiences and values with children. Today, nuclear families and changing work patterns often mean that children spend less time with grandparents.
“Grandparents bring stories, patience and life experience into a child’s life. In today’s fast-moving world, children need these real relationships and family connections more than we realise.”
Azeem Khan
Parents also need to remember that children learn from what they see. It is easy to tell children to reduce screen time, but adults must also look at their own habits. If parents are constantly checking their phones during meals and conversations, children are likely to follow the same pattern.
Perhaps before asking Gen Z to put down their phones, we should first put down ours and ask them how they are doing.