Introduction: Context & Concern
- Digital addiction among children has become a serious issue post-COVID, with screen time increasing for education, entertainment, and socialization.
- It is now manifesting in academic decline, emotional instability, aggressive behaviour, and physical health disorders.
- Mental health professionals and schools are reporting an alarming rise in screen-induced psychological issues.
Relevance : GS 1(Society) , GS 2(Social Issues , Education)
Psychological and Behavioural Impact
- Children’s behaviour changes include irritability, violent outbursts, and refusal to attend school.
- Emotional dysregulation seen in cases where screen time is restricted.
- Anxiety, depression, and even hallucinations in some extreme cases.
- Screen addiction linked to poor impulse control, especially among adolescents.
Academic and Social Decline
- Teachers observe students being less attentive in class, struggling with concentration and memory.
- Decline in grades, increased absenteeism, and withdrawal from peer activities reported widely.
- Excessive screen use leads to detachment from real-life relationships and preference for virtual interactions.
Physical Health Repercussions
- Digital addiction causing sleep disorders, fatigue, and obesity due to sedentary lifestyle.
- Cases of children delaying bladder control due to long gaming sessions—one 19-year-old needed bladder surgery.
- Insomnia and headaches common, often due to late-night screen use and blue light exposure.
Evidence from Studies
- JAMA Study (2024): Screen time linked to mental distress, particularly among 4,000+ teenagers.
- NIH, USA: High screen usage reduced brain connectivity and cognitive-emotional resilience.
- Studies show that children who use screens excessively perform worse on language and social interaction tests.
Institutional Alarms & Cases
- Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (Delhi): 2–3 new screen addiction cases weekly.
- Manipal Hospital (Bengaluru): Sees 5–6 new digital addiction cases every week.
- A 12-year-old became socially isolated and physically weak due to mobile gaming.
- Children from Class 3 onwards increasingly show signs of aggressive behaviour if devices are taken away.
School and Policy Response
- Some private schools like Springdales, Delhi and Heritage School have banned mobile phones on campus.
- Schools introduce offline etiquette programs and digital hygiene awareness.
- CBSE launched “PLANN” campaign to promote safe online practices and prevent cyberbullying.
Legal and Judicial Interventions
- Delhi HC (2023): Advised regulatory framework for smartphone use in schools.
- PIL in SC (2024): Filed to mandate a national policy to curb screen addiction in children.
- Expert Pavan Duggal warns current cyber laws lack specificity in dealing with child digital addiction.
Parental and Societal Role
- Parental awareness often delayed; action taken only at advanced stages of addiction.
- Experts recommend parent-child screen contracts, scheduled digital detox, and encouraging offline activities.
- Parents urged to set device-free zones and lead by example in reducing screen dependence.
Conclusion & Way Forward
- Issue requires multi-level intervention—legal, educational, parental, and technological.
- Urgent need for a National Digital Wellness Policy with child-centric protections.
- Screen time must be balanced with offline learning, physical activity, and interpersonal relationships to ensure holistic development.
