A recent study has revealed a concerning trend among Indian children: excessive screen time. The study indicates that children under the age of 5 in India are spending an average of 2.2 hours per day in front of screens, which is double the recommended limit. This alarming statistic has raised concerns among experts, who warn of serious developmental risks associated with such high levels of screen exposure.

The research, published in the journal Cureus by Ashish Khobragade and M Swathi Shenoy from AIIMS Raipur, involved a meta-analysis of 10 studies comprising 2,857 children. The findings highlight that the mean screen time for children under two years of age is 1.2 hours, despite guidelines suggesting complete avoidance of screens for this age group. This early exposure and overuse of screens can lead to various developmental delays and health issues.

Increased screen time has been linked to slowed language development, decreased cognitive function, and hampered social skill development. Additionally, it raises the risk of obesity, disturbed sleep habits, and concentration problems. Mental health professionals have also observed a rise in toddlers with delayed speech, reduced eye contact, poor frustration tolerance, and difficulties engaging in imaginative play, all of which are foundational to healthy emotional and cognitive development.

The study also found that a significant number of parents were unaware of the recommended screen time guidelines. According to speech and hearing specialist Priyank Bhutani, a co-author of a study published in BMJ Paediatrics Open, about 13% of children were getting up to eight hours of screen time daily, and 70–80% of parents didn't even know what the guidelines were. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends zero screen time for children under 2 years and no more than one hour of supervised, high-quality content for those aged 2–5 years.

Many parents use screen time as a tool for their own rest, to carry out household chores, or to pacify their children. While this may seem beneficial in the short term, the trade-off includes reduced verbal interaction, physical activity, and developmental play. As Neha Popli Dhamija, a teacher and mother, noted, excessive screen time hindered development, leading to speech delays and signs of autism in some children.

To mitigate the negative impacts of excessive screen time, experts recommend several strategies. Creating tech-free zones in the house and setting clear, consistent screen time limits are crucial. Parents should also actively participate in offline play and interactions with their children, encouraging activities like reading and storytelling.

Dr D K Gupta, a child specialist, suggests that parents should become role models by reducing their own screen time at home. The chief medical officer of Ghaziabad has also issued an advisory for parents, explaining the physical, mental, and behavioral health issues associated with mobile phone addiction and suggesting engagement in outdoor and social activities.

Furthermore, it is essential to consider the content children are exposed to. Supervised and interactive screen time is preferable to passive viewing. As one parent, Puri, noted, children can exhibit more aggressive behavior depending on the content they watch, highlighting the importance of monitoring and selecting appropriate programs.

Excessive screen time can also disrupt a child's biological clock, affecting their sleep-wake cycle. Moreover, increased screen time is associated with a higher risk of developing myopia and can strain the brain's visual centers, potentially affecting learning and cognitive development.

In conclusion, the study's findings serve as a critical wake-up call for parents and caregivers in India. The trend of excessive screen time among young children poses significant developmental risks that need to be addressed proactively through awareness, education, and the implementation of practical strategies to promote a balanced and healthy lifestyle.