The Impressive TimesJune 18 : In today’s digital age, screens have become an inseparable part of everyday life. From smartphones and tablets to smart TVs and laptops, children are growing up in a world where technology is constantly at their fingertips. However, health experts and child psychologists are raising concerns about the long-term effects of excessive screen exposure on young minds and bodies.
According to recent studies and pediatric guidelines, extended screen time—particularly when not balanced with physical activity and face-to-face interaction—can negatively impact a child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development. These effects span across age groups, from toddlers to teenagers.
What does excessive screen time do?
“Children’s brains are still developing, and screen-based activities can displace critical developmental experiences,” says Dr. Anjali Menon, a pediatric neurologist. “When a toddler is watching cartoons for hours instead of playing, exploring, or interacting with caregivers, they miss out on crucial learning opportunities that support language, motor, and social skills.”
For very young children, screen exposure—especially passive viewing like watching videos—can lead to speech delays, reduced attention spans, and even sleep disturbances. Blue light from screens can suppress melatonin production, making it harder for children to fall and stay asleep.
Impact on school-age children and teenagers
As children grow older, their screen time tends to increase, particularly with online education, gaming, and social media. While digital learning has its advantages, an over-reliance on screens for both education and entertainment has drawbacks.
“Too much screen time among school-aged children can lead to decreased physical activity, which in turn contributes to obesity, poor posture, and even early onset of lifestyle-related health problems like insulin resistance,” says fitness and wellness coach Ravi Kulkarni.
Moreover, excessive engagement with screens often correlates with mood swings, reduced attention in classrooms, irritability, and diminished academic performance. Teenagers, in particular, are vulnerable to social media pressures, which can lead to anxiety, poor self-image, and even depression.
Guidelines and solutions
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged 2 to 5 should not have more than one hour of screen time per day, and that parents should co-view content to encourage discussion and understanding. For older children and teenagers, the key lies in creating a structured routine that includes screen-free times, particularly before bed and during meals.
Dr. Menon advises, “Instead of banning screens entirely, parents should promote a healthy digital lifestyle. Encourage children to engage in outdoor play, hobbies like reading or music, and spend quality time with family.”
Some practical tips include:
Setting daily time limits on recreational screen use
Encouraging physical activities and sports
Keeping devices out of bedrooms
Choosing educational and age-appropriate content
Leading by example—parents limiting their own screen use
As screens continue to dominate modern life, balance and mindful usage are more important than ever. Experts agree that building healthy digital habits early on can significantly influence a child’s overall well-being and long-term development.
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