Screen time now major lifestyle concern

Lead story

What begins as harmless entertainment often turns into hours of scrolling, gaming and binge-watching, taking a toll on their eyes, minds and grades. Health experts warn parents that excessive screen use is emerging as one of the most serious lifestyle concerns among children and teenagers today.

Across urban and rural areas alike, the sight of a child glued to a phone or tablet has become common. Once playgrounds buzzed with games of cricket or hide and seek, but now digital screens have replaced open spaces. According to paediatricians, the average screen time among children of school-going age has doubled in the past five years, a worrying trend linked to sleep deprivation, poor concentration and rising cases of anxiety and depression.

"Children's brains are still developing, and overstimulation from screens can affect attention span and social behaviour," says Dr Sandeep Aggarwal, Associate Professor of Paediatrics, Government Medical College.

"We are seeing younger kids showing symptoms of digital addiction; irritability, when the device is taken away, withdrawal from family activities, and dependence on virtual validation," he said.

The physical effects are no less alarming. Continuous exposure to bright screens can lead to eye strain, headaches, and even myopia at a young age. The Indian Journal of Ophthalmology recently reported a steep rise in cases of "digital eye strain" among children post pandemic, when online classes normalised long hours in front of screens.

Parents, too, are struggling to strike a balance. Many admit that screens act as easy babysitters, keeping children occupied while they work. "It started with educational videos," says Gurpreet Kaur, a mother of two. "But now my son prefers YouTube over storybooks, and getting him to study without his phone is a daily battle," she said.

Schools and paediatric experts are urging parents to set strict digital boundaries, limiting recreational screen time to less than two hours a day, encouraging outdoor activities, and maintaining screen-free family hours. They also recommend introducing tech breaks during study sessions and ensuring devices are not used before bedtime.

As technology becomes inseparable from modern life, experts emphasise that moderation, not prohibition, is the key. "Screens are not the enemy. But without mindful use, we risk raising a generation that knows more about the virtual world than the one around them," said Dr Naresh Grover.

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