Hyderabad: Being separated from smartphones during exams or the snatching away of a phone by adults for not concentrating, have even caused severe emotional responses in the children. In some extreme cases, continued separations from a smartphone has even led to depression in children.

Smartphones are now the new connect to the world in the form of live chats, forum discussions, retrieving study material and seeking answers to queries that were earlier part of books or given out by teachers. Students as well as adults have modelled their behaviour towards smartphones as a gadget that gives them instant answers to any query. The device engages them in conversation with those who are not around and also gives them instant gratification which makes them dependent on the gadget.

Dr Pragya Rashmi, consultant psychologist, said, “When the smart phone is taken away, it creates a major vacuum that may lead to restlessness, anxiety and also depression. Some of them vent their anger out by overeating or engaging in activities that could bring the ire of their parents. Smart phones gratify the emotional and social necessity. That is why taking the phone away impacts the person.” Many children are given access to smart phones due to peer pressure. Most working parents find it the best way to be in touch with their children. There have been instances of depression and even suicide when the teenagers were not given mobile phones. These instances, apart from the growing dependence of academics on retrieving answers from the Internet have got many parents to give phones to their children.

In adults too these withdrawal symptoms are seen when it is found that one partner is constantly chatting on the phone. Dr Srinivas K, senior psychiatrist said, “We often find patients coming in with anger and anxiety stating that their partners have locked phones away. The problem is that excessive dependence on phones causes a lot of arguments, suspicions and bitterness in relationships where partners are complaining of not being given enough time.”