Smartphones are posing a serious threat to the health of kids under 10, warns AIIMS study. From vision problems to mental health issues, here’s why parents need to limit screen time for their little ones.
Are smartphones slowly becoming the new-age addiction for children under 10? Well, recent studies and health guidelines seem to point in that direction, raising concerns about the negative impacts on their physical health and behavior.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set some guidelines that suggest limiting screen time for young children. They even go as far as recommending no screen time at all for infants and 1-year-olds. Why? Because excessive smartphone use in children can lead to a whole array of issues – from vision impairment, dry eyes, headaches, and sleep disturbances to more serious problems like anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and aggression.
And it doesn’t stop there. Overuse of smartphones can also contribute to poor eating habits, obesity, high blood pressure, and pre-diabetic conditions in young children. Not to mention the impact it can have on academic performance with visual impairments and attention deficits creeping in.
So, what do health experts advise? Well, they suggest that parents prioritize quality time, healthy eating habits, and most importantly, limit screen time to help reduce these risks. Balancing technology with outdoor activities and ensuring children have nutritious meals is key for their holistic development.
A survey conducted by the RP Center of AIIMS back in 2001 found that 7% of children in Delhi were affected by myopia. Fast forward to today, and myopia in children has tripled in the last 10-15 years due to increased screen time from playing video games or watching videos on mobile. Encouraging outdoor play and reducing screen time can go a long way in preventing the need for new glasses in children.
Remember the 20-20-20 rule – take breaks from screens every 20 minutes to focus on distant objects. This simple habit can help protect eye health in the long run. AIIMS predicts that by 2050, 40% of Indian children will have weak eyesight due to excessive screen time. So, limiting mobile screen time to 2 hours a day and reminding children to blink frequently can be crucial in protecting their eye health and overall well-being.