Dr. Michelle Shah
Australia's recent proposal to introduce a minimum age limit for social media use has ignited global conversations about the impact of screen time on children's mental and physical health. While some may view the move as radical, it reflects a growing recognition of an urgent problem faced by countries worldwide. For nations like India, where the digital revolution has penetrated nearly every household, the consequences of excessive screen time cannot be ignored.
In India, approximately 15% of internet users are aged between 5 and 11, according to the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI). While internet access can offer educational benefits, it also brings risks, including social media overuse, gaming addiction and exposure to inappropriate content. The effects of excessive screen time are alarming, particularly on young children's development and well-being.
Alarming Data: The Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Children
According to this population-based cross sectional study excessive screen time usage has caused developmental delay in children under 5. Increased screen time was significantly associated with developmental delay, particularly in the domains of language acquisition and communication, especially in children under 2 years of age. In another study published in the BMC Public Health, children who spent more time on screens had a higher risk of developing myopia or near-sightedness, damaging eye health. The side effects are increasingly tangible: increased anxiety, irritability, sleep disorders and a noticeable decline in social interaction. Unregulated screen time can cause changes in the brains of children, and can hamper their development and increase their screen dependency.
The situation has grown dire post-pandemic. With schools shifting to online platforms and parents juggling remote work, screen time skyrocketed across all age groups. Unfortunately, this increased exposure has come at a cost. In addition to mental health, childhood obesity has also surged, about 12.5 million of those between the ages of five and 19 overweight in 2022 compared to 0.4 million in 1990, according to a global analysis published in The Lancet journal. Sedentary screen time is a key factor driving this obesity crisis.
Social Media and the Self-Worth Trap
The emotional toll of excessive screen use is most evident in how children engage with social media. A "culture of comparison" is growing, where children and teens constantly measure their self-worth against their peers and âinfluencers' based on likes, comments and followers.
Furthermore, social media amplifies the gap between our reality and desires, often fueling feelings of loneliness and contributing to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Australia's proposed age limit for social media accounts has sparked conversations about how young is too young to be navigating the complexities of social media platforms. Instagram's introduction of teen accounts, which allows for greater parental control and moderation of online interactions, is a positive step forward. However, as the digital world evolves, so must our understanding of how best to equip our children with the tools to navigate it responsibly.
What Can We Do?
In India, the rapid rise in screen time and social media engagement among children presents a unique challenge. Here are some actionable steps parents and caregivers can take:
1. Set Screen Time Limits: The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) has set clear guidelines to help parents manage screen time for children. For kids younger than two years, the IAP recommends no screen time at all except for video calls with family members. For children aged 2 to 5 years, screen time should be limited to one hour per day, focused on high-quality educational content. Children aged 6 years and older should have consistent limits, ensuring that screen time doesn't interfere with sleep, physical activity, or other healthy behaviou
2. Implement the 20-20-20 Rule: Encourage children to take breaks during screen use. After every 20 minutes of screen time, they should look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple habit can alleviate eye strain and reduce the risks of long-term damage to eyesight.
3. Encourage Real-World Activities: Ensure that children spend ample time outdoors and engage in physical activities. Encourage technology-free times, including mealtimes, bedtime and during social activities. Studies have shown that children who participate in outdoor play have better mental health outcomes, reduced risks of chronic diseases and improved social skills.
4. Model Healthy Behaviour: Children often mimic the habits of their parents. Limiting your own screen time, particularly during family interactions like meals, can set a powerful example for your children to follow.
5. Avoid Using Screens As Rewards: Using screens as a reward can set an unhealthy precedent for children, associating screen time with pleasure, achievement, or comfort. When screens are framed as a "prize" for good behaviour or accomplishments, children may begin to view them as a special or desirable activity, which can amplify their allure and lead to excessive use. This can also create a problematic dynamic where children expect screen time whenever they've completed a task, making it more difficult for parents to regulate and limit screen use. Moreover, relying on screens as rewards can undermine the development of intrinsic motivation. Instead of engaging in activities for the joy of learning or personal growth, children may focus on the external reward - screen time - which can hinder their ability to find satisfaction in non-digital experiences.
A Call for a Broader Culture Shift
It's time to rethink the role of technology in our children's lives. The answer isn't to eliminate their access to the digital world - after all, the internet is a rich resource for learning and growth. But as we introduce children to this vast digital landscape, it's critical that we provide them with the right guidance and set boundaries that encourage balance.
This isn't just a conversation about limiting screen time. It's a call for a cultural shift where the health and development of our children take priority over digital distractions. Raising well-rounded, socially connected and happy children means placing greater value on family time, fostering meaningful real-world connections and ensuring that digital interactions enhance, rather than replace, key life experiences.
The future of our children - and society - depends on this balance.
Authored by:
Dr. Michelle Shah, Lifestyle Medicine Paediatrician and MPH Candidate (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health '25)
