Screen Addiction: How to End It and Save Your Child?
Screen addiction in children is on the rise, and experts recommend managing screen time with balanced activities like play, physical exercise, and family interaction for good health.
In today's digital age, many children are spending increasing amounts of time on screens. Whether it’s playing video games, watching TV, or using smartphones and tablets, screen time has become a significant part of children's daily routines. But the growing addiction to screens is raising concerns among parents and doctors alike.
Screen addiction happens when children use technology—such as mobiles, laptops, and tablets—too much and become dependent on it. This dependency can negatively affect their daily activities, such as schoolwork, friendships, and even family relationships.
Recent studies show that Indian children are spending more time in front of screens than ever before. On average, children are now spending 2 to 4 hours daily on screens, up from the time before the pandemic. This increase has been particularly noticeable in urban areas where digital access is easier.
An online survey revealed that 52% of children in India now have over 2 hours of screen time daily, with nearly 88% of children between 15 to 18 months spending more than an hour in front of screens. Teenagers are also particularly affected, with 14-25% spending more than 3 hours a day on their phones.
The rise in screen time began during the COVID-19 lockdown when schools shifted to online classes and children were confined to their homes. Now, with technology easily accessible, children have vast amounts of information at their fingertips, much of which comes through screens.
Excessive screen time has many harmful effects. Children who spend too much time on screens are at risk of:
- Speech delays and memory problems
- Behavioral issues like low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression
- Obesity, which can lead to other health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes
- Sleep problems, back pain, vision issues, and headaches
- Long-term effects can be even more severe, including potential brain damage.
Doctors advise parents to be mindful of how much time their children are spending on screens and to encourage other activities that help in their overall development.
The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) has set guidelines to help manage screen time effectively:
- Children under 2 years old should not be exposed to screens, except for occasional video calls with family.
- For children aged 2 to 5 years, screen time should not exceed 1 hour per day.
- Older children and teens should balance screen time with physical activities, sleep, schoolwork, hobbies, and family time. If screen time replaces any of these, it should be reduced.
To ensure healthy screen habits, here are some tips for parents:
1. No Screens During Meals: Avoid screens during mealtime. Instead, engage children in conversation to build healthy relationships.
2. Parental Controls: Use parental controls and teach your child about online safety.
3. Encourage Other Hobbies: Expose children to sports, arts, and other non-screen activities.
4. Don’t Use Screens as a Pacifier: Avoid using screens to calm children during tantrums.
5. Join In: If your child is using a screen, interact with them by asking questions or discussing what they are watching.
6. Set Ground Rules: Create screen-free zones and times at home, such as during family meals or in bedrooms.
7. Encourage Breaks: Use the “20-20-20 rule”: every 20 minutes, have children take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away to reduce eye strain.
Screens are not inherently bad. They are important tools for learning, communication, and entertainment. However, it’s important to balance screen time with other activities for the healthy development of children. Parents play a crucial role in managing screen time and ensuring that children grow up with a healthy relationship to technology.
By following these guidelines, parents can help their children develop good screen habits and keep them safe from the negative effects of too much screen exposure.
