Is your child addicted to screens? 

In today’s digital-first world, screens have become our constant companions; be it laptops for assignments, smartphones for chats, or tablets for entertainment. While technology is an undeniable boon, excessive screen time, especially for students, can turn into a silent saboteur of health, happiness, and holistic development.  

Prolonged staring at screens can cause eye strain, headaches, and poor posture. The infamous ‘tech neck’ and disrupted sleep patterns due to blue light exposure are now becoming alarmingly common among young learners. A student glued to a device is also less likely to engage in physical activity, leading to a sedentary lifestyle and increasing the risk of obesity and related issues. 

Overexposure to screens often hampers attention span, reduces memory retention, and increases anxiety. Scrolling through endless social media feeds may feel relaxing, but it can often create a false sense of achievement, delay important tasks, and lead to procrastination.

On the brighter side, limiting screen time opens doors to richer experiences. Students who reduce digital distractions tend to sleep better, focus longer, and perform more efficiently in class. 

“As an educator, I observed post-COVID that many children struggle with speech and eye contact. After speaking with mothers, I learned that during the lockdown, kids were given phones for five to six hours daily as parents managed household chores without help. This excessive screen time led to reduced verbal interaction and social disconnect. At ages two to three, children need real conversations to build vocabulary and communication skills, something screens simply cannot replace,” Ms Nidhi Ghai, Incharge, Apeejay Rhythms Kinderworld, Jalandhar, opined. 

When a child of this age group misses out on the conversation, he or she will lose his speech, she added, which happens with 70% of children during COVID times, so the screen time needs to be controlled. “We can even encourage our child for outdoor activities, which will help the child positively release physical energy, and the child will become a positive personality,” Ms Ghai said.

So, what’s the takeaway? Technology is a tool, not a trap. When used in moderation, it enhances learning; when overused, it overwhelms. The goal isn’t to eliminate screens but to use them smartly.