The growing addiction to screens in children is a serious problem

Priyanka Saurabh *

Parents of school-going children need to set limits when it comes to technology use. Here is an expert guide that tells you how screen addiction, just like drug addiction, is known to cause a surge in dopamine levels. The more time spent on screens, the greater the risk of a child getting hooked on digital devices. Screen addiction is becoming a serious problem among young children.

Schools are not completely banning the use of mobile phones. Why do children get addicted to screens, and what can parents of school-going children do to prevent this habit from getting out of control? It is the need of the hour that society and policy interventions address the challenges of screen addiction to promote holistic development.

Screen time for children in India has increased significantly after the pandemic, raising concerns about its effects on their social and psychological development and necessitating balanced interventions.

Excessive screen time reduces face-to-face interactions, thereby hampering social skill development. A 2024 study found that children with more than 3 hours of screen time per day had lower levels of social engagement. Screens often replace family interactions, leading to reduced family cohesion and shared experiences.

Families are seen spending less time on activities such as meals and conversations, affecting emotional attachment. Children increasingly dependent on digital interactions may struggle with in-person social cues and relationships.

UNICEF reports that high screen time in adolescents is associated with delays in emotional regulation. Screen addiction limits time spent in physical activities, leading to sedentary behavior. A 2023 report from the Ministry of Health shows a 40% reduction in outdoor activities among urban children.

Excessive screen time is linked to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression in children. Lancet Child & Adolescent Health (2024) found a 15% increase in anxiety symptoms in adolescents who spent more than 4 hours of screen time. Prolonged exposure to fast-paced digital content can decrease attention span and concentration levels.

Studies conducted by AIIMS Delhi (2023) link excessive screen use to ADHD-like symptoms in children. Exposure to screen light affects sleep cycles, leading to sleep deprivation and reduced cognitive function. A study conducted by the Indian Journal of Pediatrics in 2023 reported that 60% of children who used screens before bedtime had disturbed sleep patterns.

Social media use often affects self-esteem, especially in adolescents, leading to unrealistic comparisons and cyberbullying. Indian adolescents experience self-esteem issues from excessive social media exposure.

It is important for parents of school-going children to set limits when it comes to technology use. Here is an expert guide that tells you how screen addiction has the same mechanism as substances, which produce the same surge in dopamine. With a steady increase in screen use, the brain circuits adapt and become less sensitive to dopamine.

As a result, what you see is an increasing need to consume more to experience the same pleasure. A common misconception is that addiction is a choice or a moral problem. The truth couldn't be further from this.

After a certain point, addiction becomes a biological problem that has an impact on physical and emotional health. There is a clear need for parents to intervene, model the right behavior, and teach their children screen management as a life skill.

Equip parents with tools to manage children’s screen time and promote healthy habits. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommends workshops on digital management for parents.

Integrate digital wellbeing into the curriculum to teach responsible screen use from an early age. The Delhi government has initiated digital literacy sessions in select schools. Develop official age-based screen time guidelines and promote them through public campaigns. WHO guidelines suggest screen time restrictions based on developmental stages.

Encourage outdoor and group activities to balance digital consumption with healthy social interactions. The Khelo India initiative promotes physical fitness in children, leading to an indirect reduction in screen time. Encourage the development of tech-free zones and digital detox programs in schools and communities. Some schools have initiated “screen-free days” to help children engage in non-digital activities.

Effective management of screen time requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving families, educators, and policymakers. Ensuring a balanced digital environment will be crucial for the holistic development of the next generation, leading to a resilient and inclusive society. Screen addiction is a real problem that has been exacerbated by the pandemic and is affecting both adults and children.

Parents need to be vigilant, proactive, and engaged with their child’s screen usage patterns. Exploring digital platforms and being aware of your child’s world can give you better language to talk to them about your apprehensions. Setting boundaries may seem difficult in the short term but will be very beneficial in the long term.