By the age of 11, one in every three children shows signs of addiction to mobile phones or social media, finds report.
New Delhi: A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has raised serious concerns about the impact of excessive screen time on children and adolescents. According to the study, increasing use of social media, video games, and mobile phones is not only altering their daily routines but also affecting their mental health.
Rise in Suicidal Thoughts Among Addicted Children
The report found that by the age of 11, one in every three children shows signs of addiction to mobile phones or social media. Children who spend excessive time on screens are 2.14 times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors compared to those with limited screen exposure. Whether it’s social media, mobile gaming, or other screen-based activities, overuse has been linked to mental health challenges, including self-harming tendencies.
Alarming Situation in Delhi
Reacting to the report, Prof. (Dr.) G.C. Khilnani — former Head of AIIMS and Chairman of PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine — highlighted that 98% of adolescents in Delhi use screen-based media, and 68% of them spend an average of 3.5 hours daily on screens — far exceeding the recommended limit of two hours per day.
Mental Health Issues on the Rise
Experts are increasingly worried about the growing link between screen addiction and psychological problems among children. This longitudinal study tracked children’s behavior and habits over follow-up periods of two, three, and four years. It found that the tendency toward mobile or social media addiction begins as early as 11 years of age, with one in every three children showing signs of growing dependence.
Dr. Khilnani’s Key Recommendations:
- Limit screen time to less than two hours per day.
- Turn off screens at least one hour before bedtime.
- Make bedrooms screen-free zones.
- Encourage regular sleep and outdoor activities.
Dr. Khilnani also warned that many parents today give mobile phones to toddlers aged 1–3 years to keep them calm. This, he said, marks the beginning of a potentially dangerous addiction that could have serious long-term consequences.
 has raised serious concerns about the impact of excessive screen time on children and adolescents. According to the study, increasing use of social media, video games, and mobile phones is not only altering their daily routines but also affecting their mental health.){kind=link}