Prof Sarika Manhas
As smartphones and digital media become increasingly integral to life in India, young children are spending more time on screens than ever before, often with few limits or guidance on their usage. A recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reports that children as young as two years old are averaging 3-4 hours of screen time each day. For parents managing demanding jobs and household responsibilities, screens provide an easy way to occupy children. But as reliance on devices grows, experts warn that this trend may come with “significant developmental costs. Extensive screen time is replacing critical face-to-face interactions, creative play, and physical activities-elements that are foundational to early learning and emotional development. In India, this digital shift is happening alongside changing family structures, where urbanization and nuclear family setups mean parents often have fewer support networks for child-rearing. Child development experts emphasize that early childhood is a crucial period for building language, social, and motor skills, with the brain forming connections that will lay the groundwork for lifelong learning and emotional health. Yet with screen time cutting into opportunities for real-world engagement, many children miss out on sensory-rich, interactive experiences that are essential for reaching developmental milestones. Without hands-on activities or interpersonal play, early learning can be delayed in areas like language, socialization, and fine motor skills.
According to development experts, excessive screen exposure in young children has been linked to speech delays, reduced attention spans, and a diminished capacity for social interaction, as passive engagement on screens lacks the back- and-forth that children need to build these core abilities. But screen time among children doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s deeply tied to the habits of their parents. As smartphones and social media become central to adults’ routines, children often observe and mirror this behaviour. Many parents, pressed by work demands and social connections that now live online, frequently check their phones or multitask between digital devices and family life. While parents turn to screens to entertain their children, they’re often using screens themselves, modelling device-dependency as a normalized behaviour. This digital distraction can disrupt parent-child bonding moments, as studies show that children too thrive on eye contact, verbal exchanges, and undivided attention from their caregivers. When devices interfere with these interactions, children may feel disengaged, potentially affecting their emotional development. The physical implications of screen time are another concern. For young children, movement and play are vital for developing motor skills, coordination, and an active lifestyle. However, long hours on screens are causing children to miss out on the physical playtime they need. Passive screen activities, which now compete with opportunities for running, jumping, and exploring, may lead to sedentary habits that persist into later life. With less focus on movement and play, these children are more likely to experience concentration issues and may show reduced curiosity about the world beyond the screen.
Compounding the developmental risks, many children are also exposed to inappropriate or over stimulating media content due to minimal monitoring. When children watch violent animations, targeted advertising, or even social media that promotes unrealistic ideals, it can impact their self-image, increase anxiety, and potentially lead to behavioural challenges. Child psychologists have noted that children exposed to unfiltered media content can experience negative behavioral changes, including restlessness, increased irritability, and difficulties in focusing on real-world activities. Some specialists even link these patterns to early-onset social anxiety, particularly as screens diminish opportunities for real-world socialization. With both children and parents entrenched in screen habits, leisure time has also shifted. Traditional, open-ended play-once central to childhood-is now often replaced by passive screen-based entertainment. Instead of building with blocks, creating art, or playing outdoors, children are gravitating toward apps and video content. These activities are critical for developing problem-solving skills, creativity, and emotional resilience, while face-to-face play promotes empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution skills essential for social growth. Educators and child psychologists express concern that without these experiences, children may struggle to adapt to real-world challenges or navigate social relationships effectively. The current lack of structured guidelines around screen use adds to the problem.
While India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recognizes early childhood education’s significance, it doesn’t establish formal recommendations for screen time. In countries like Canada and Australia, national health guidelines advise parents to limit screen time for young children to a maximum of one hour per day for ages two to five. India’s absence of similar guidelines has left many parents making decisions based on personal judgment or necessity, often opting for screen time as a convenient solution without realizing the potential drawbacks. Additionally, the rapid increase in screen usage for educational purposes, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, has further normalized screen time, making it more challenging for parents to impose limitations. To address these complex issues, a balanced approach to screen time is recommended. Structured guidance, increased parental awareness, and meaningful screen-free alternatives can help mitigate these risks. Families can set up screen-free zones at home and establish limits on screen time, with parents modelling this behaviour by limiting their own device usage around children. Simple changes, like engaging in hands-on activities-such as reading, painting, or outdoor play-can provide young children with essential sensory experiences and foster their healthy development. Schools and childcare centers can play a complementary role by promoting screen-free play and sensory learning, reminding children that exploration and creativity extend beyond digital devices.
Public health campaigns and community initiatives could also help increase awareness, encouraging families to set digital boundaries and to consciously prioritize face-to-face interaction. Additionally, the development of child-friendly public spaces, like parks and recreational centers, can offer more engaging alternatives to screen time, especially in urban areas where such resources may be limited. Establishing responsible screen habits early on is essential as screens become more ingrained in daily life. Collaborative efforts from families, educators, and policymakers can create a balanced environment where screens serve as supplementary tools rather than the primary source of engagement. By fostering this balance, children will be better equipped to explore their surroundings, develop strong social skills, and engage confidently with both digital and physical worlds. With thoughtful and mindful screen usage, families can ensure that children in India have a well-rounded foundation for lifelong learning, emotional resilience, and overall well-being.
(The author is a child development expert and is currently Professor of Human Development at University of Jammu)
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