A leading Bahraini engineer has launched a free online guide on the responsible use of smartphones with the aim of helping young people use their devices safely.
Yousif Al Ameen’s The Smartphone Workbook is available in English, Arabic, Tagalog and Malay and comes at a time when mental health experts are becoming increasingly concerned over ‘nomophobia’ – an irrational fear of being without a mobile phone.
“The goal is to protect young people, especially children from security, health and psychological risks associated with smartphone addiction,” said the 65-year-old from Muharraq.
“Smartphones are everywhere these days, and almost everything can be done on them. However, even among adults, there is the risk of excessive use.
“In my opinion it is therefore crucial to educate children from a young age on responsible and safe use of smartphone devices.”
While a smartphone, tablet, or computer can be a hugely productive tool, compulsive use of these devices can interfere with work, school and relationships, according to helpguide.org.
“When you spend more time on social media or playing games than you do interacting with real people, or you can’t stop yourself from repeatedly checking texts, emails, or apps – even when it has negative consequences in your life – it may be time to reassess your technology use,” its experts suggest.
Nomophobia is often fuelled by an Internet overuse problem or Internet addiction disorder. After all, it’s rarely the phone or tablet itself that creates the compulsion, but rather the games, apps and online worlds it connects to.
Mr Al Ameen enjoys writing free workbooks for young people to help them discover their talents and skills as early as possible to help them succeed in life. He spends a lot of his free time managing private educational projects and conducting training programmes.
The Smartphone Workbook is his latest publication in a series of educational books, with previous ones being Learning Success from Football, Learning Creativity from Football and The Solar Energy Workbook.
The workbook contains 20 smart tips on healthy and safe use of smartphones and their applications. “It contains educational advice on wise usage of the devices,” he added. “These tips were carefully selected and based on practical experience.”
Simplified illustrations have been added to help young visitors appreciate the points raised. Tips include ‘Smart Chatting’, ‘Smart Walking’, ‘Smart Playing’ and ‘Smart Charging’, all designed to teach children how to manage their use and not become addicted to the devices at an early age.
The workbook itself doubles as a colouring book that, according to Mr Al Ameen, aims to encourage practical skills in children.
“Activities such as colouring books are no longer prevalent like they used to be, as electronic devices have taken over,” he explained. “So I hope the workbook will encourage them to discover the joy of colouring and maybe have the children pick it up as a hobby.”
Mr Al Ameen presented the project to leading telecom companies around the region at the recent Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (Gitex) in Dubai.
“I want to invite all responsible entities in the mobile phone industry, as well as those with social responsibility towards children and youth, to join the project and contribute gifts and prizes for the children participating in this free educational awareness campaign,” he said.
“The sponsorships of leading telecom companies will ensure the success of this unique project and to support its continuous development for young people awareness on security, safety and health.”
Those who are interested in the book can download a PDF version for free at smartphoneworkbook.online. For more information about the colouring contest, email smartphoneworkbook@gmail.com. Participants must send in their entries before the deadline on December 31.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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