A surge in screen addiction among Indian children is leading to a concerning rise in multiple disorders, including developmental and mental health issues, experts warn. Psychologist Dr. Aric Sigman describes this growing dependency as a form of “addiction,” with children engaging in excessive screen activities to the detriment of their health.
Excessive screen time is linked to serious consequences, including childhood obesity, which has sparked a rise in non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular issues and type 2 diabetes. Research published in PLUS One indicates that increased screen usage is causing developmental delays, particularly in language and communication skills, especially among children under two.
Child psychologist Dr. Swati Chhabra highlights the connection between screen addiction and neurodevelopmental disorders, noting that children aged 7 to 8 who struggle with eye contact are often diagnosed with autism. Additionally, excessive screen time is associated with personality disorders, myopia, and sleep disturbances, which can disrupt children’s biological clocks, affecting memory and attention.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends minimal screen exposure for children under five and emphasizes the importance of physical activity and quality sleep for healthy development. Experts urge parents and educators to encourage creative, non-screen-based activities to protect children from the long-term consequences of screen addiction.
To safeguard the mental and physical well-being of the younger generation, a collective effort is required to promote balanced lifestyles and responsible technology use.
