Western Hospital sets up panel of neuro specialists and psychiatrists; Indian research finds excessive screen exposure among young children
HYDERABAD: Excessive screen exposure among children has emerged as a growing public health concern, with doctors at Western Hospital and MLA Majid Hussain calling for urgent efforts to curb mobile phone use, particularly among infants and primary schoolchildren.
At a press conference, the experts warned that excessive dependence on mobile devices could displace physical activity, disrupt sleep and affect children’s social and emotional development. They urged parents, schools and healthcare professionals to promote healthier digital habits.
The concerns find support in Indian research. A systematic review and meta-analysis pooling data from 10 studies involving 2,857 children under five estimated average screen time at 2.22 hours a day. Another study involving 718 children in rural and urban Tamil Nadu found that 73% had screen exposure exceeding the researchers’ recommended limits. These findings are not nationwide estimates and the studies varied in their methods and populations.
MLA Majid Hussain expressed concern over the rising incidence of mental health problems among children and the time they spend on screens at the expense of physical activity and social interaction.
“An average child is spending seven to nine hours a day on screens, bereft of physical activities,” he said.
He cautioned that exposure to violent games and aggressive content could undermine healthy behavioural development. The seven-to-nine-hour figure was cited by the MLA and was not independently established as a population-wide estimate.
While digital devices became necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, reducing unnecessary screen exposure and cultivating healthy habits were now essential for a healthier and brighter future.
Research backs calls for early intervention
The World Health Organization recommends no sedentary screen time for infants and one-year-olds. For children aged two, it recommends no more than one hour a day, with less being better. The same one-hour maximum applies to children aged three and four. WHO also emphasises active play, adequate sleep and interactive activities with caregivers, such as reading, storytelling and singing.
Radiologist Dr Mateen described mobile phone addiction as a major social challenge, warning that excessive screen exposure could weaken interpersonal relationships and family bonds. He expressed particular concern over parents using phones to distract infants and keep young children occupied.
Western Hospital has constituted a panel of neuro specialists and psychiatrists to counsel individuals and address concerns associated with excessive digital consumption.
Neuro specialist Dr Sarin stressed the importance of regulating screen time. He advocated a licensing-style system for mobile phone use and explained how notifications and reward mechanisms in the brain can encourage repeated checking of devices. He also raised concerns about sleep disturbances and other potential consequences of excessive screen use.
Veteran neurosurgeon Dr Jaleel Kirmani identified five warning signs parents should watch for: reduced attention span, memory difficulties, sudden anger and poor self-control, a growing demand for instant gratification, and deteriorating social interaction.
He warned that excessive screen use could weaken communication between children and parents. He also called for avoiding screen exposure among children below three years of age and said counselling and, in severe cases, intensive clinical intervention might be necessary.
Schools and families urged to change habits
The doctors expressed concern over educational institutions assigning homework and activities that require students to use mobile phones. They suggested registering parents’ contact numbers with schools, wherever feasible, rather than students’ numbers, to reduce children’s independent access to devices.
Families were urged to establish phone-free routines, including conversations at the dinner table and dedicated family time. Keeping phones in a designated basket when not in use was suggested as a simple way to encourage more mindful usage.
The experts cautioned against assuming that digital screens and smart boards automatically translate into better education, stressing that technology should complement rather than replace physical activity, personal interaction and independent learning.
The call from Western Hospital was for a collective effort by families, schools and healthcare professionals to reduce unnecessary screen exposure and encourage healthier habits.
The evidence points to a practical starting point: less passive screen time, more active play, better sleep and stronger family interaction.
Research sources:
Systematic review and meta-analysis of screen time among children under five in India
Study on screen time and developmental delay in children
WHO guidelines on screen time and activity for children under five
