Growing up surrounded by smartphones, tablets, and constant connectivity, today’s children are facing health challenges that earlier generations never encountered. MedBound Times connected with Dr. D. Srikanth, MD (Pediatrics), PGPN (Boston, USA), Senior Consultant Pediatrician & Neonatologist at Yashoda Hospitals, Secunderabad, Telangana. He gave special insight into how the digital world has drastically altered the way children grow, play, and interact.
Dr. Srikanth highlights how the combination of digital exposure, pandemic-driven habits, and reduced physical activity is reshaping childhood health in India.
“Nowadays children are actually growing up in a very different environment. When we were kids, we used to go out and play, we didn’t have access to anything. So, the physical connection and emotional connection were always there. But now there is a significant exposure to technology like apps, TVs, and phones,” said Dr. Srikanth.
With screen use becoming almost inseparable from daily life, Dr. Srikanth pointed out an alarming shift in children’s emotional and physical well-being.
“There is a lot of difference, mainly emotionally as well as physically. There’s more irritability, anxiety, and frustration now,” he explained. “Children today are more informed, they know it’s wrong but still choose to do it because of easy access.”
Parents, he said, often miss early signs of screen overuse. “There are changes in behavior, sleep, and interest levels,” he noted, listing five key warning signs:
Loss of interest in outdoor play or hobbies
Increased irritability and temper tantrums
Emotional outbursts when devices are taken away
Poor sleep quality due to late-night screen use
Postural issues and eye strain from prolonged phone viewing
“Especially if the screen is used before bedtime, make it a point that one hour before sleep, the device has to be taken away,” Dr. Srikanth emphasized.
The COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged online learning intensified digital dependence among children.
“During the pandemic, children’s routines shifted completely. We are now seeing a lot of obesity and poor posture. Some kids can’t even walk one flight of stairs without panting,” said Dr. Srikanth.
He also observed delays in motor milestones.
Earlier, babies typically began walking around 12 months. Nowadays, many don’t walk even at 18 months; they are either on screens, in walkers, or just rolling in bed.Dr. D. Srikanth, MD (Pediatrics), PGPN (Boston, USA)
Dr. Srikanth warned of a spike in anxiety, restlessness, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
“Children are becoming completely screen-dependent. If you take the screen away for one day, it feels like the world has ended for them,” he remarked.
According to “Impacts Caused by the Use of Screens During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” published in the Journal of Pediatrics (2023):
During the pandemic, children spent much more time on screens because of online classes and limited outdoor activities.
Increased screen exposure led to less physical movement and a rise in childhood obesity.
Many children developed poor posture from sitting for long hours and using devices in awkward positions.
Extended screen time contributed to eye strain, headaches, and sleep problems due to late-night device use.
Younger children showed delays in motor development and coordination because of reduced playtime.
Emotional and social issues such as irritability, anxiety, restlessness, and lack of focus became more common.
Social isolation and dependence on digital interaction affected children’s communication and confidence.
Some children experienced reduced attention spans and lower academic engagement during online learning.
While many children are now recovering from the pandemic’s effects, Dr. Srikanth cautioned that some health aspects may take longer to normalize.
“Most children are gradually improving because parents are now informed. But immunity took a hit. Due to masking, there was zero pathogen exposure for a while, so the body’s immune system is now learning again,” he said.
To ensure balanced development, Dr. Srikanth stressed five golden rules for parents and caregivers:
Limit screen time to a maximum of two hours a day and strictly avoid screens one hour before bedtime.
Encourage daily outdoor play for at least one hour. “It helps with growth, immunity, mind, and hormone balance,” he said.
Maintain regular sleep and wake-up times, even on weekends.
Build emotional connection by spending quality screen-free time as a family.
Ensure balanced meals and hydration, while limiting junk food.
“Our top priority should be our kids,” Dr. Srikanth concluded. “We are actually living for them. Even if we are busy, we must reduce our own screen exposure and make time for them.”
How does excessive screen time affect children?
It can lead to irritability, sleep issues, poor posture, anxiety, eye strain, and dependency-like behaviors.
What are early warning signs of screen overuse in kids?
Loss of interest in outdoor play, irritability, tantrums, sleep problems, and emotional outbursts when devices are removed.
Did screen time increase after the pandemic?
Yes. Research shows a major rise in screen exposure during COVID-19 due to online classes and limited outdoor activity.
Can screen use delay developmental milestones?
Prolonged screen exposure and reduced physical play may contribute to delayed motor skills in young children.
What do pediatricians recommend for healthy child development?
Limit screens, encourage daily outdoor play, maintain routines, build emotional connection, and ensure nutritious meals.
Reference:
1. Silva, Renata D. S., Silva, Maria Eduarda D. L., Silva, Letícia M., Ferreira, Juliana C., and Lima, Sandra C. A. M. “Impacts Caused by the Use of Screens During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Journal of Pediatrics 99, no. 4 (2023): 357–364. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10593405/.
Edited by M Subha Maheswari