New Delhi: A recent study has raised an alarm over the escalating screen time among Indian children, revealing that kids under five years old are spending an average of 2.2 hours daily in front of screens, double the recommended safe limit. The findings, published in the journal Cureus by researchers Ashish Khobragade and M Swathi Shenoy from AIIMS Raipur, highlight a growing public health concern.

For children even younger, specifically those under two years of age, the situation is particularly concerning, with a mean screen time of 1.2 hours daily. This occurs despite global guidelines strongly advising that screen exposure for this age group should be completely avoided.

The study, a comprehensive meta-analysis drawing data from 10 different studies involving a total of 2,857 children, firmly links this excessive screen time to a range of significant negative implications. These include slowed language development, decreased cognitive function, hampered social skill development, and increased risk of obesity. Furthermore, children with high screen exposure often experience disturbed sleep habits and concentration issues, impacting their overall well-being and growth.

Child specialists and experts are echoing these concerns. As reported by TOI, Dr. D.K. Gupta, a prominent child specialist, emphasised that such excessive screen time is a direct cause of "serious physical and behavioural problems" in young children, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.

To mitigate these alarming impacts, the study and medical experts offer clear advice for parents. They recommend establishing tech-free zones within the home, setting clear and consistent screen time limits, and actively engaging children in offline activities that promote physical and mental development. Crucially, parents are also encouraged to act as role models by reducing their own screen time, setting a healthier example for their children.