Rising Concerns Over Kids’ Screen Time Highlighted by NIMHANS Study

A recent study from NIMHANS highlights growing worries among parents about children’s screen time. It links too much screen use to loss of control and harm to overall well-being.

The study, titled “Technology Use and Screen Time Among Children,” surveyed 424 parents in India. It looked at how kids use screens and what parents think about it.

Parents reported that more screen time is linked to problems like poor self-control, too much gaming or social media, and trouble using devices responsibly. They also noted negative effects on children’s physical health, mental well-being, and social skills.

Rajesh Kumar, a psychology professor at NIMHANS, explained that parents are struggling to manage their kids’ tech use. This is especially true when it interferes with sleep, schoolwork, or daily routines.

Screen time guidelines vary by age, but many children exceed recommended limits. The study found that the more screen time kids have, the more worried parents get.

The most common issue was losing control over device use. Over half of parents said their kids got upset when devices were taken away or had trouble stopping using screens. Other worries included too much gaming, exposure to inappropriate content, and poor attention spans or grades.

Manoj Kumar Sharma, head of the SHUT Clinic, noted that problematic tech use isn’t just about how long kids spend on screens. It’s also about patterns like losing control or being overly engaged with devices.

The study also found that having more digital devices at home leads to more screen time. Kids in single-child households spent more time on screens, possibly because they have fewer siblings to interact with.

Tech is now part of daily life, used for learning and entertainment. But too much or poorly managed use can cause sleep issues, less physical activity, attention problems, emotional struggles, and social challenges. Early exposure without rules might also harm language skills and school performance.

The study didn’t diagnose addiction but focused on parent-reported signs of trouble. Parents said they need practical strategies, better communication, and improved digital skills to manage screen time.

Experts suggest that schools, pediatricians, and mental health services should help by offering guidance and training programs. The study calls for more research to understand long-term effects and family-centered solutions to address high screen use in kids.