Is your child addicted to mobile phones? Over 15,000 Kerala kids were treated—protect yours now

Alappuzha: Excessive mobile phone use is causing mental and physical complications in children, similar to the effects of alcohol and drug addiction, according to a study by the Department of Women and Child Development. Between 2023 and the end of 2024, 15,261 children received treatment for issues related to excessive mobile phone use. A study conducted at the department’s district resource centres, parenting clinics and school counselling centres highlighted the severity of the problem. 

Children excessively using mobile phones have been found to struggle with academics, face difficulties in social interactions, and experience depression, anxiety and high mental stress. Experts warn that such children may also develop suicidal tendencies, mirroring the behavioural patterns seen in drug users.

Physical health is also impacted, with many children experiencing malnutrition, lack of exercise and insomnia. Prolonged use of mobile devices can delay brain development, weaken muscles and lead to obesity.

Government intervention

The Department of Women and Child Development, the Directorate of Health Services and the General Education Department are working together to address the issue. Awareness programmes are being conducted for both children and parents through the Department.

Serious cases are handled under the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP). The Health Department has made provisions for mental health professionals to assist affected children through the mental health OP at government medical colleges.

Additionally, the Behavioural Paediatric OP at Thiruvananthapuram’s Sree Avittam Thirunal (SAT) Hospital provides extensive mental health education for children and parents. The General Education Department has also set up ‘Friendly’ clubs in schools to promote positive social interactions and mental well-being.

Increased risk of short-sightedness

London: A study has found that prolonged screen time on mobile phones and similar devices increases the risk of myopia (short-sightedness). Researchers have advised parents to encourage outdoor playtime for children to reduce the risk.

A study conducted in South Korea revealed that excessive mobile phone use alters the corneal curvature, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurred vision for distant objects. The research suggests that by 2050, nearly 40 percent of children and adolescents worldwide will develop myopia. The findings are based on an analysis of 45 studies involving 3,35,524 participants, focusing on children and adolescents.

According to the study, a child who spends an hour a day on screens has a five percent higher risk of developing myopia compared to one who does not. If the screen time increases to four hours daily, the risk of developing vision impairment rises to 97 percent.