Overview:
Excessive screen time in children refers to spending an unhealthy amount of time on digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions. With the widespread availability of digital technology, many children are exceeding the recommended screen time limits, which can lead to several health and developmental issues.

Causes:

• Easy access to digital devices
• Lack of outdoor activities or physical play
• Use of screens for both entertainment and education
• Parental modeling of excessive screen habits
• Lack of awareness about healthy screen time limits

Symptoms and Effects:

• Poor sleep quality or insomnia
• Delayed speech or language development (in younger children)
• Behavioral issues such as irritability and inattention
• Reduced academic performance
• Eye strain and headaches
• Sedentary lifestyle leading to obesity
• Social withdrawal or difficulty interacting face-to-face

Diagnosis:
Healthcare professionals assess screen-related concerns by discussing a child’s daily habits, sleep patterns, academic performance, and physical activity levels with parents or guardians.

Treatment and Management:

• Setting and enforcing daily screen time limits
• Encouraging screen-free zones and times (e.g., during meals and before bedtime)
• Promoting outdoor play and physical activities
• Using parental control features on devices
• Offering educational or creative alternatives to screen-based entertainment
• Being a positive role model with healthy screen habits

Prevention:

• Follow age-appropriate screen time guidelines (e.g., no screen time under age 2, and no more than 1 hour/day for ages 2–5)
• Prioritize face-to-face interaction and play
• Monitor and discuss the content children are accessing
• Educate both children and caregivers about the potential harms of screen overuse

Prognosis:
With timely intervention and consistent guidance, most children can develop a healthier relationship with screens and avoid long-term negative consequences.

Support and Resources:

• Pediatricians and child psychologists
• Parenting workshops and screen time management tools
• Support groups for parents dealing with screen time challenges
• Educational campaigns by schools and community organizations