It’s increasingly common to see infants and toddlers absorbed in videos on phones or iPads, often to the delight of parents who believe their children are smart and independent. However, it’s crucial to distinguish between entertainment and addiction. Excessive screen time can lead to poor sleep, device dependency, and depressive symptoms. It can also activate dopamine pathways, contributing to ADHD-related behaviors.

Parents should limit screen time, especially for young children. Instead of relying on gadgets, spend quality time talking and cuddling with your kids without distractions. Ignoring their conversations hampers their ability to listen to others.

While educational content online can be beneficial, it’s vital to ensure age-appropriate content and limit usage. If parents struggle to care for their children all day, seek help from family, trusted adults, or play schools. If managing one child is challenging, consider delaying having another,” says Dr. Teena Abishek.

Dr. Teena Abishek holds a Ph.D. in Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and also stands as a distinguished force in the realm of maternal and infant healthcare as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®). She currently practices at Apollo Specialty Hospitals in OMR Chennai. She was also named “Best Woman Health Speaker of the Year 2022” by the Houston Tamil Studies Chair, USA. Her insights have been featured on TV, newspapers, and radio, solidifying her status as an influential voice in women’s health.

Joan Jayaseelan Founder- Fig Tree – Early Learning Centre, Trichy adds, “Mobile phone addiction among students is a significant challenge that schools must address. Given the prevalence of smartphones among students, it’s no surprise that their attention spans and engagement in class can suffer due to frequent distractions. This addiction not only hinders the learning process but also poses challenges for teachers in maintaining students’ focus. Mobile phone addiction can hinder students’ chances of engaging in valuable in-person interactions with their peers and teachers.” Fig Tree nurtures young minds between 1.5- 5.5. and follows the Finnish Educare Model with Waldorf and Quadseek Method.

We ask Teena what age would be appropriate to start off on devices and she felt, “Firstly, children should only be given their own devices when absolutely necessary. Parents should set clear boundaries and discuss the pros and cons of owning gadgets. The CDC suggests limiting screen time to 0.5-1 hour/day for 3-7-year-olds, 1 hour for 7-12-year-olds, 1.5 hours for 12-15-year-olds, and 2 hours for those 16 and older. Role modelling is crucial; parents who watch a lot of TV often have children who do the same. Establishing trust, love, and respect in the relationship will encourage children to heed parental guidance.

“Excessive screen time can significantly impact a child’s development, including cognitive, language, and social-emotional growth. It can lead to issues such as obesity, sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety, impair emotional comprehension, encourage aggressive behavior, and hinder social and emotional skills.

A recent experience highlights this: a 12-year-old girl came to my office with her mother, engrossed in an age-inappropriate movie on her tablet featuring drug use, violence, and abusive language. Despite her mother’s insistence

How can you prevent screen addiction?
Avoid introducing screens before the age of 1. Feeding infants and toddlers while they watch screens can disrupt normal eating habits. Ensure no TVs are in bedrooms and limit the number of TVs in the house to encourage family interaction. Have meals at the dining table without screens, and parents should model good behavior by not watching TV in the bedroom.

When the mobile turns babysitter?
Joan says, “Some parents rely on mobile phones as a convenient tool to entertain and calm their children. Mobile devices provide a wide range of entertaining content, including instructional videos and interactive games, making them a convenient tool for parents to handle household tasks, work, or simply relax. This dependence on mobile phones may appear as a convenient remedy to soothe a restless child or offer a brief break in a hectic day, particularly in circumstances where it is difficult to provide immediate attention or engagement.

Nevertheless, this practice comes with notable disadvantages. Excessive screen time has the potential to hinder the social and cognitive development of young children. Instead of participating in important activities such as imaginative play, social interactions, or physical exercise, children who are constantly fixated on screens are deprived of valuable opportunities to develop essential skills.”

How to handle tantrums when mobiles are taken away?
Dr. Teena says, “Children enjoy playing games with their parents. Engage them in age-appropriate activities and gradually reduce screen time. Offer screen time as a reward after meals or involve them in outdoor activities like gardening. Establish connections and nurture relationships to help reduce dependency on screens.

“Connect before correcting. Gradually reduce screen time and establish a routine where screens are not used in the morning. If a child cries, distract them with playtime or other activities. Offer screen time as a reward and involve them in outdoor activities. Consistent communication and understanding the negative impacts of excessive screen time can help children adapt to new routines.”

How to engage kids without the screen?
Joan prescribes a range of activities that can help.

Hands-On Activities:
We utilise a variety of engaging activities such as arts and crafts, building blocks, puzzles, and sensory play to foster creativity and enhance fine motor skills. As an illustration, children can participate in activities such as finger painting, constructing structures with LEGO bricks, or enjoying playtime with sand and water tables.

Storytelling and Reading:
Educators can frequently engage in the practice of reading aloud to students, employing animated voices and thought-provoking questions to fully engage their interest. Storytime can involve puppet shows, flannel board stories, and even acting out scenes to enhance the overall experience.

Outdoor Play:
It’s important to highlight the significance of outdoor activities, motivating children to discover nature, engage in playground activities, and take part in physical games. Engaging in this activity can contribute to the improvement of their gross motor skills, social skills, and overall physical health.

Music and Movement:
By integrating music, dance, and movement activities, children are given the opportunity to freely express themselves and enhance their coordination skills. Activities such as singing songs, playing musical instruments, and engaging in movement games such as “Simon Says” are commonly used.

Role-Playing and Imaginative Play:
Schools and learning centers provide opportunities for role-playing and imaginative play, and themed play areas. This type of play fosters creativity, social interaction, and problem-solving skills.

Structured Group Activities:
Group activities, such as circle time, provide an opportunity for children to come together and engage in discussions, songs, and group games. These activities foster a sense of community and help develop listening and speaking skills.

Science and Exploration:
Engaging in simple experiments in science and exploration activities, such as planting seeds, observing insects, or mixing colours, fosters curiosity and a passion for discovery.

Encouraging children to interact with their peers:
Cooperative games, group projects, and social activities is a great way to help them develop important communication and teamwork skills.

Our emphasis on screen-free methods creates a learning environment that nurtures children’s overall growth and cultivates a genuine passion for learning.

Promoting a diverse range of other activities, such as outdoor play, reading, creating arts and crafts, and family board games, can assist children in cultivating a wide array of interests and skills that extend beyond digital entertainment.

to stop, she was fixated on the screen, having watched the movie multiple times. Her mother expressed concerns about the girl’s foul language, aggression, and anger issues. Being a single parent, the mother struggled to spend quality time with her daughter after long work hours. The girl, left alone frequently, turned to her tablet for company, resulting in poor academic performance and behavioural problems like bedwetting and anxiety.

Addressing such issues requires patience, love, and consistent parental support. While healing is possible, the scars of early excessive screen time may last a lifetime.”

Joan opines,” In order to assist students who are overly dependent on their screens, schools have the opportunity to introduce structured and gradual approaches that encourage involvement in alternative activities. As an illustration, implementing specific periods during the school day where technology is not allowed, like a policy that prohibits phone use during lunch and playtime, can motivate students to engage with their peers and take part in physical activities. Teachers can incorporate a variety of engaging activities, such as science experiments, art projects, or group discussions, to capture students’ interest and divert their attention from screens. Schools can also provide mindfulness and relaxation sessions, allowing students to practise techniques such as deep breathing or yoga to decrease their dependence on digital stimulation. In addition, the implementation of technology-free zones, such as libraries or designated classrooms, fosters an atmosphere that encourages students to concentrate on activities that do not involve digital devices. Through the implementation of tech-free periods and the introduction of stimulating alternative activities, schools have the potential to foster the cultivation of healthier habits among students and diminish their reliance on screens.”