A recent study reveals that Indian children under the age of 5 are spending an average of 2.2 hours per day in front of screens, which is double the recommended limit. This excessive screen time is raising concerns among healthcare professionals and experts, who warn about the potential negative impacts on children's physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional well-being.

The study, published in the journal Cureus, conducted a meta-analysis of 10 studies comprising 2,857 children. It found that the mean screen time for children under two years of age is 1.2 hours, while guidelines stipulate that screen use should be completely avoided for this age group. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends limiting screen time for children between two and four years old to no more than one hour per day.

Excessive screen time has been linked to a range of developmental issues in young children. These include slowed language development, decreased cognitive function, and hampered social skill development. Additionally, it can lead to physical health problems such as an increased risk of obesity, disturbed sleep habits, and concentration issues.

Several factors contribute to the high screen time among Indian children. The increasing accessibility and affordability of digital devices play a significant role. Many parents also use screens to keep their children occupied while they are busy with household chores or to soothe them when they are crying. However, this can lead to reduced verbal interaction, physical activity, and developmental play.

Experts recommend several strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of excessive screen time. Creating tech-free zones in the house, especially during mealtimes and before bedtime, can help to reduce screen exposure. Setting clear and consistent screen time limits and actively participating in offline play and interactions are also crucial. Parents are encouraged to be positive role models by limiting their own screen time and engaging in other activities.

Moreover, it is important to pay attention to the content children are viewing. The WHO recommends that even the permitted hour of screen time for children aged 2-5 years should be supervised and of high quality. Interactive and educational content is preferable to passive viewing.

The rise in screen time among children is a global phenomenon, but it is particularly concerning in India, which has a large population of young people. Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach involving parents, educators, and healthcare professionals. By raising awareness about the risks of excessive screen time and promoting healthy screen habits, it is possible to protect the well-being and development of Indian children in the digital age.