During an interaction with 'examination warriors' at the 7th 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' held in New Delhi last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the harm caused by excessive use of electronic devices and advised them to reduce their screen time.
“Excess of anything is bad. Use your mobile phone only when necessary. Try reducing your screen time,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister also suggested that families should know their children's mobile phone passwords. “Using a gadget should be accompanied by a time tracking tool or application. Make sure your gadget includes an app that tracks usage time. The wisdom of being proactive with technology. “We need that,” he added.
According to a study by internet filtering device maker Happinets, 42% of children under the age of 12 spend an average of two to four hours glued to their smartphones or tablets each day. Research has revealed that older people spend up to 47% of their day on screens.
Whether it's phones, tablets, computers, or even smartwatches, it's no wonder that excessive screen usage is a cause for concern, especially among children. According to a study by smart parenting solutions company Baatu Tech, 95% of Indian parents are deeply concerned about their children's screen addiction, with 80% and 70% respectively expressing concerns about gaming addiction and consumption of adult content. are doing.
For Mahima Bhasin, excessive use of electronic devices has become the biggest pain in her life. If her toddler watches her network of cartoons on TV for up to six hours straight, her 10-year-older likes to swipe through her Instagram Reels on her mom's phone. “Although television and mobile phones are important entertainment mediums, they have become like addictions for children and this constant use is unlikely to end,” laments Bhasin, a Gurugram-based housewife. .
How much is too much?
The study found that children ages 0 to 5 who were exposed to screens for more than four hours a day suffered from “sensorimotor and socioemotional deprivation.” As a result, it tends to affect cognitive abilities, language development, and social skills.
Dr. Manish Mannan, HOD, Pediatrics and Neonatology, Paras Health, said, “We are very excited to be working with the Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology at Paras Health. Investment in the virtual world, irritability, shortened concentration span, frequent mood swings. ”
Such children are likely to lack real-world interaction. “When children spend too much time looking at screens, they miss out on important social interactions, physical activity, and hands-on learning experiences. We have to prioritize development,” says Dr. Mannan.
Early childhood is a critical period for brain development. Too much screen time at this stage can hinder the development of important skills. “Toddlers under the age of five often learn language by imitating the lip movements of those around them. When children imitate the words of animated characters on television or other people in the digital world, they learn language. It can lead to serious developmental problems, including developmental delays,” added Dr. Mannan.
Similarly, Dr Praveen Khilnani, Head of Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Critical Care Pediatrics, Medanta, Gurugram, believes that the current health crisis is due to prolonged exposure to digital devices during the lockdown, It blames social isolation and the shift to online learning. “The shift to online education has increased screen time, impacting children's behavioral patterns. At the same time, quarantine measures have prevented children from regular social interactions, leading to a decline in social skills and mental health. “It has affected people's health,” he added.
Excessive use of screen time is often harmful and can lead to a range of behavioral patterns commonly seen in children. Also known as virtual autism, it refers to people who become overly immersed in virtual environments such as video games, social media, and video games. and other digital platforms. “Insufficient parental guidance and monitoring of digital activity can exacerbate the effects of virtual autism. Without appropriate boundaries, children are less likely to interact with the virtual and real world. They may find themselves navigating a digital environment without the support and background needed to create a healthy balance between said Dr. Rahul Nagpal, HOD.
According to Dr. Shreya Dubey, Consultant Pediatrics and Neonatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, increased screen time is associated with a decrease in melanopsin transmitter neurons and gamma-aminobutyric acid neurotransmitters, which can lead to poor mental and language development. Studies have shown that it can lead to a decrease in “Overexposure to screens can even disrupt the light-dark cycle, which supports the brain's production of melatonin and dopamine and improves a child's knowledge of self and relationships with others,” says Dubey. .
Workaround
Children under 18 months should avoid using screens. Children between the ages of 2 and 5 should receive only one hour of high-quality screen time each day. By combining screen time with other positive activities, parents can encourage children's discovery and confidence building in a variety of real-world activities and promote a healthy environment.
For teens, excessive screen use is associated with increased risk of depression and other mental health problems. Dr Achal Bhagat, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said, “Long time on screen, especially on social media platforms, can affect our perception of reality, leading to feelings of inadequacy and It can lead to low self-esteem.”
Parents have a critical role in helping their children build strong offline connections, foster face-to-face conversations, and participate in extracurricular activities. “Stressing the importance of regular sleep with a technology-free bedtime ritual can help teens maintain a happy state of mind,” Dr. Bhagat added.
Medanta's Dr. Khilnani advises reducing screen time and encouraging alternative activities such as outdoor play, creative hobbies, and interactive learning methods. “Also, encourage safe social interactions with peers, family and community activities to promote social skills and mental well-being,” he added.
