Screens Steal Childhood: Bengaluru Sees Surge in Digital Addiction

A Los Angeles jury recently held tech giants Meta and Google liable, ordering them to pay $6 million to a 20-year-old woman over the addictive nature of their platforms. This ruling resonates as psychologists in Bengaluru report a significant increase in screen addiction among young individuals.

Child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Arohi Vardhan notes that screen usage often contributes to emotional dysregulation and behavioral issues. The inability to access screens, rather than the duration of use, is a key indicator of problematic behavior. She observed that around half of patients exhibit screen use that negatively affects their mental health.

The Covid-19 lockdown period saw a premature increase in screen exposure for many children. While some returned to normal routines, others struggled with emotional and time regulation, leading to lasting difficulties. Purni Krishnakumar, a consultant and psychologist, highlights a worrying loss of interest in non-screen activities and persistent demands for devices.

Modern parents are more proactive in seeking help for their children's issues. Dr. Vardhan points out early signs such as irritability, loss of control over device usage, and extreme reactions when screens are removed. Withdrawal from academics and hobbies is also a concern.

Management strategies include assessing if digital addiction is a primary issue or a coping mechanism, followed by gradual reduction of screen time, establishing device-free zones, and educating children about the impact of excessive use. Parents are advised to watch for behavioral changes, difficulty stopping device use, and declines in daily functioning.