PGI Research : Mobile And TV Don’t Just Harm Children’s Eyes

Mobile and TV have long been considered enemies of children’s eyesight, but new research suggests the real damage is far more profound. Increased screen time is directly impacting children’s sleep, language development, behavior, and physical health. A childhood devoid of play and changing behavior are indicators that screen time has become not just a technological issue, but a challenge for childhood as a whole.

This serious reality has been revealed in a review study published in the Indian Pediatrics Journal. It was conducted by experts from the Community Medicine and Pediatric Center at PGI. The study included Dr. Nirman Kaur, Dr. Madhu Gupta, Dr. Prabhjot Malhi, and Dr. Sandeep Grover. According to the research, the tendency for children under five years of age to spend excessive time in front of screens is rapidly increasing. In middle-income countries, 21 to 98 percent of children exceed the recommended screen time limits, while in high-income countries, this figure has reached 10 to 93.7 percent.

The study states that excessive screen time primarily affects the quality of children’s sleep. Late bedtimes, frequent awakenings, and insufficient sleep are making children irritable and tired. Along with this, reduced physical activity is increasing the risk of obesity. According to experts, excessive screen use also affects language development, which can negatively impact children’s speaking and comprehension abilities and social behavior.

The Role Of Parents Is Crucial

The researchers have explained this problem through a social ecological model, which considers the child, parents, home environment, and digital environment as contributing factors. Citing the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the study states that children under two years of age should be kept completely away from screens, while for children aged two to five years, screen time should not exceed one hour per day.

Expert Recommendations

Experts suggest that screen time can be reduced by 30 to 45 minutes if children are encouraged to engage in regular play, physical activity, and a better daily routine. Given the limited data on this subject in countries like India, the Indian Academy of Pediatrics and policymakers have also been recommended to develop guidelines on children’s screen time to ensure that both childhood and health are protected in the digital age.