Increased screen time spoiling children's health

Aurangabad, March 5:

It has now become necessary for children to use a mobile, laptop or computer for school, tuition and online classes. However, parents have complained that the overuse of these gadgets has led to the deterioration of the mental and physical health of kids.

Before Covid-19, kids spent an average of one to two hours on mobile. Now, however, kids are spending an average of six to eight hours on gadgets. Parents now have to give mobile phones to their children for school, study, and tuition. Most schools also have three to four-hour elementary classes. Therefore, children at a young age are forced to sit in front of mobiles for long hours. In addition, screen time increases as many schools send homework through e-mail. With covid restrictions as children are not allowed to go out of the house, playing mobile games and watching movies on mobile and laptops has become their favourite pastime. Parents, however, have rising concerns regarding the overuse of digital gadgets.

No outdoor games

Parents are not sending the kids to play outdoor games due to Covid-19. As a result, children who are bored of staying at home are now resorting to mobile phones and computers to play games. As there is no way to keep the children engaged in physical activities, parents hand over their mobile to keep kids away from getting bored.

With increasing screen time, children are experiencing vision problems day by day. The number of children who already have vision p[problems are further experiencing increased eyesight number. Parents must use 20-20-20 formula. If you look at the screen for 20 minutes, you should see an object kept 20 feet away for more than 20 seconds said, Ophthalmologist Dr Vaishali Une.

Staying at home, using mobiles for study-games is also affecting the mental health of children. The number of parents bringing their children for consultation has increased since June. Children are getting irritated and distressed. The solution is not to give mobile phones to children other than schoolwork, said Dr Amol Deshmukh

psychiatrist.