General Practitioner Dr Rajesh Maharaj says the rule for babies less than two years old is that no mobile phones should be used whatsoever.
He has highlighted this after the Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu earlier said that unfortunately mobile phones have become a popular babysitting tool.
Tudravu says that increased dependence on technology has also created opportunities for online predators who take advantage of vulnerable users.
While speaking to fijivillage News, Dr Maharaj, who is also the former President of the Fiji College of General Practitioners, says after two years of age, children should be strictly monitored, with very limited and restricted use.
He says guidelines for mobile phone use for babies, toddlers, and children are available on the World Health Organisation website, and parents must try to read and understand them.
He says if people read the guidelines for themselves, they will understand them better and realise the importance of the rational use of mobile phones.
Dr Maharaj says mobile phones are very addictive, and many times babies are given phones at a very early age.
He says that a sad reality is that when babies or children sit down to eat, a mobile phone is often given to them and as a result, they develop bad behaviour.
Insert: Prolonged effects of phones 12th Feb
Hindi Insert: Maharaj on no electronic devices 12th Feb
Dr Maharaj further says that children, babies, and toddlers need to be protected from the harmful effects of mobile phones.
When questioned about the best alternatives parents could use, he responds that families need to sit together because family bonding is very important.
He adds that parents and caregivers should plan indoor games, take children for a car ride or to the park, and encourage reading.
Dr Maharaj emphasises that these activities increase the bond between children and parents, as well as among family members.
He also stresses the importance of appreciating children, including school students and younger children, and giving them love and care.
