Excessive screen time linked to autism-tike symptoms in children
Source: Chronicle News Service / Sonia Sorensangbam

Imphal, December 22 2024: The trend of children glued to the screens for protracted period of time owing to increasing reliance on smartphones and other digital devices, is raising concerns about its impact on their mental health, physical development, and overall well-being.

Such a practice is particularly prominent in households where busy parents allow use of smartphones to keep their children occupied while managing chores and work.

Although autism itself is not caused by excessive screen time, prolonged exposure to digital screens is found to trigger autism-like symptoms in children.

Dr RK Lenin of the psychiatry department at RIMS and president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Manipur State Branch, explained that these symptoms are becoming a growing concern among parents.

In an interview with The People's Chronicle, Dr Lenin categorised children aged 1 to 4 years into two groups.

The first includes hyperactive children who are difficult to manage due to their restless and fidgety behaviour.

These children exhibit signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), a condition characterised by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty in concentrating.

While this behaviour is generally recognised by the parents, the second group of children presents a contrasting behaviour that often leads to misinterpretations.

The second type includes children who appear withdrawn, quiet, and detached from their surroundings.

They prefer playing alon e, show little interest in interacting with peers, and may not respond when called.

Parents observing such behaviour frequently search online for information, often stumbling upon the term "autism," which raises alarm.

Autism, a neuro-developmental disorder, typically results from improper brain development, often present from birth.

While symptoms may not be evident during infancy, they become noticeable with in the first two years of life when children start developing social and communication skills.

Autistic children struggle to engage with others, including their own parents, and often display delayed speech development and oral-motor issues.

Unlike "late talkers", who find alternative ways to communicate, autistic children lack effective methods to express their thoughts.

They also exhibit repetitive behaviours and a lack of separation anxiety, which differentiates them from typical children.

Dr Lenin emphasised that while excessive screen time cannot cause autism, it can lead to autism-like symptoms.

This phenomenon is increasingly observed among children who are introduced to digital devices at an early age.

Parents often use smartphones as a convenient tool to keep their children occupied, especially in nuclear families or households with working mothers.

However, this reliance creates a "virtual world" for the children, isolating them from real-world interactions and diminishing emotional bonds with their family members.

Over time, these children may develop tantrums and refuse to be consoled without access to a smartphone.

They prefer the company of digital devices over interactions with parents, siblings, or peers.

Such behaviours mimic autism-like symptoms, causing parents to worry unnecessarily about their child's development.

While these children are not truly autistic, their behaviour underscores the need for awareness about the adverse effects of excessive screen exposure, he elaborated.

Dr Lenin highlighted that modern parenting practices often lack the depth of understanding seen in earlier generations.

In the past, parents instinctively knew the importance of nurturing close bonds with their children.

Today, fast-paced lifestyles and dependence of technology have diluted traditional parenting values.

In such a society, parenting classes are increasingly becoming a necessity to help the parents rediscover the importance of love, care, and attentive upbringing in a child's holistic development.

The recent Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue.

With schools shifting to online classes, even young children became accustomed to prolonged screen time.

The ongoing crisis in the state has further contributed to behavioural challenges among children.

As children are exposed to an environment filled with distrust and instability, their emotional well-being is significantly affected.

However, it is crucial not to misdiagnose these issues as autism, he stressed.

Dr Lenin advised parents to consult psychiatrists if they observe any unusual behaviour in their children, while emphasising on early intervention and proper guidance.

He also drew attention to the decline in breastfeeding, a cornerstone of both physical and mental development in children.

Modern parenting practices often prioritise convenience over necessity, leading to a growing disconnect between parents and children.

This widening gap affects children's willingness to help their parents or heed their advice, further impacting family dynamics.

The psychiatrist urged parents to adopt a balanced approach to technology.

Smartphones, while ubiquitous, should not replace meaningful interactions or nurturing care.

Instead, parents can use digital devices as educational tools, integrating life lessons and fostering positive experiences.

However, these devices should never substitute the emotional and developmental benefits of close parental involvement, he reminded.

In earlier times, a crying child was consoled by the warmth and care of their mother.

Today, the smartphone has become the goto tool for pacifying children, even during mealtimes.

This over-reliance on devices adversely affects children's growth and development.

Dr Lenin reminded parents that no technology can replace the nurturing role of a parent in a child's life.

The psychiatrist concluded by reiterat ing the importance of mindful parenting.

Excessive screen time may be a convenient solution in the short term, but it has longterm consequences that can hinder a child's ability to develop into a well-rounded individual.

Parents must prioritise quality time, empathy, and structured guidance to ensure their children grow up healthy, happy, and socially adept.

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