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Child Psychologist Fights Screen Time Epidemic
3 Dec
Summary
- Early smartphone use in children risks depression and obesity.
- Brain development is negatively impacted by excessive screen time.
- Psychologist Urvashi Musale counsels parents on digital hygiene.
A child psychologist in Mumbai is addressing a growing crisis of screen addiction among children, noting a concerning case where a 10-year-old boy developed significant weight gain, social isolation, and depression due to excessive smartphone use. This situation mirrors findings from a US study identifying higher risks of depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep for children owning smartphones before age 12.
Experts explain that early and excessive screen time can impair crucial brain development between ages nine and 12. It can dull cognitive functions, delay language development, and reduce communication and emotional regulation skills. The developing pre-teen brain lacks the maturity to filter content, leading to potential behavioral issues and addiction.
To combat this, psychologists advocate for familial digital hygiene, emphasizing parental role modeling and engagement in participatory activities. Strategies include gradually replacing screen time with alternative visual stimulation, storytelling, board games, and encouraging physical activities and real-world social interactions to make offline life more appealing.
