Excessive Screen Time Impacts on Children’s Health

Nadia Nawaz

Gujrat: Shayan, a second-class student, exhibits a growing silence in his class and his teacher Kalsoom expresses concerns about his inattentiveness and declining competence.

The advent of mobile phones, computers and the internet has not only changed society and lifestyles, but also brought adverse effects on human health.

Shayan, proud of his technological knowledge, struggles to focus on education, with his mother highlighting excessive smartphone use affecting his family connections and mental well-being. Additionally, his eyesight is deteriorating due to prolonged screen exposure.

Teachers, like Bisma, observe Shayan’s lack of participation in class activities and his difficulty forming connections with peers. Bisma notes the decline in emotional attachment among children, emphasizing their growing dependence on smartphones for comfort.

Screen time, referring to the hours children spend in front of screens like TV, mobile devices, or laptops within a 20 to 24-hour period, has raised concerns about its impact on children’s behavior and development.

Pediatrician Dr Idris advocates for setting screen time rules, suggesting no screen usage for children under 18 months. He emphasizes the importance of educational programs for children aged one to five, limiting screen time to one hour.

Advocate Hasan, a parent from Lahore, shares his experience with his six-year-old son’s excessive screen time, leading to a withdrawal from the real world. The child’s mental health suffered, prompting the parents to seek professional advice. Attention and communication improved with focused parental involvement, but Hasan acknowledges the psychological challenges posed by smartphones.

According to a study, children absorb more radioactive waves than adults during screen time, impacting their behavior and causing sleep disturbances. Psychologist Rida notes the psychological paralysis that can result from excessive mobile phone use.

An American Medical Center study suggests changes in brain structure among children with increased screen time, highlighting concerns about language and literacy development.

The negative effects of excessive screen time on children’s behavior and mental health emphasize the need for parental guidance and restrictions on screen use. Prioritising genuine connections over gadget dependence is crucial for the well-being of today’s children.