How to Combat Mobile Addiction and Reduce Excessive Screen Time in Kids

Mobile phones are now an essential part of daily life, but they can also lead to addiction, particularly among children. Excessive screen time can negatively affect their physical and mental well-being.

Dr. Atanu Bhadra, a renowned pediatrician from the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), has raised an important concern about the adverse effects of excessive screen time on children’s health and well-being. He emphasized that pediatricians are increasingly worried about this growing issue, as excessive screen usage can lead to serious problems such as obesity, sleep disorders, delayed development of speech and language skills, and even addiction to gaming.

Excessive screen time
Photo source: Freepik

So, how can parents help children strike a healthy balance between screen time and other activities? Here are some important tips to reduce screen time while ensuring holistic development:

  1. Set Age-Appropriate Screen Time Limits
  • Below 5 Years: Limit screen time to 1 hour per day. This is sufficient for educational content or entertainment while avoiding overstimulation.
  • Above 5 Years: Restrict screen usage to 2 hours per day. Ensure this includes high-quality content that supports learning or skill development.
  1. Encourage Physical Activities

Promote regular exercise or outdoor play to keep children physically active. Activities such as cycling, running, or playing sports not only enhance physical fitness but also help improve mental well-being.

Excessive screen time
Photo source: Freepik
  1. Foster Creativity

Engage children in creative hobbies like drawing, painting, crafting, or playing musical instruments. These activities stimulate their imagination, improve fine motor skills, and reduce reliance on screens for entertainment.

  1. Prioritize Outdoor Activities

Spending time outdoors helps children connect with nature, socialize with peers, and develop crucial life skills. Activities like gardening, hiking, or simple games like hide-and-seek can be fun and beneficial.

By setting boundaries and encouraging a mix of physical, creative, and outdoor activities, parents can help their children lead healthier, more balanced lives while minimizing the negative impact of screens. After all, healthy habits formed in childhood pave the way for a better future.

Hot this week

S.L. Raheja Hospital Mumbai Launches 'Humraahi' – A First-of-its-kind Neuro Support Group for Patients and Caregivers

S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mumbai proudly launched ‘Humraahi’ – a pioneering...

Loop Launches HealthFlex: The Answer to 90% of Corporate Health Budgets Going Unused

Loop Health, an insurance and healthcare partner serving over...

Transforming Indigenous Surgical Care in Tamil Nadu: Dr. Parimuthukumar Completes 100 Robotic Abdominal Surgeries

Prashanth Hospitals proudly announced a groundbreaking healthcare milestone led...

Topics

Loop Launches HealthFlex: The Answer to 90% of Corporate Health Budgets Going Unused

Loop Health, an insurance and healthcare partner serving over...

Transforming Indigenous Surgical Care in Tamil Nadu: Dr. Parimuthukumar Completes 100 Robotic Abdominal Surgeries

Prashanth Hospitals proudly announced a groundbreaking healthcare milestone led...

Fortis Hospital Mulund Expands Specialty Care With Launch of Dedicated Oncosciences & Gastrosciences Wing

Fortis Hospital, Mulund, today inaugurated Fortis Cancer Institute and...

Related Articles

Translate »