In the age of technology, children have easy access to different gadgets such as iPad, laptops, iPhone, smartphones etc. Parents introduce screens to kids as learning medium, on the contrary misuse and overuse of technology adversely impact child’s mental health. According to observational studies there is a correlation between screen media exposure and increase obesity risks and behavioural problems in children and teens. Research suggests that children and adolescents often exhibit mindless eating behaviours while watching TV or engaging in video games, contributing to an increase in obesity rates within this age group. Additionally spending hours in front of screens decreases the physical or outdoor activities. There is wide gap between calories consumed and calories burned. Takeaway, Screen time recommendation from Indian Academy of Paediatrics for digital wellness in infants, children and adolescents. For Children • below 2 years of age, zero screen time • 2 to 5 years of age, Limit screen time to a maximum of one hour (the lesser the better) • 5 to 10 years of age, limit screen time to less than 2 hours per day • 10 to 18 years of age, balance screen time with other activities essential for overall development Vigour360 works in partnership with schools for student’s physical and mental wellness. Connect us to know more.

1. What are the disadvantages of technology in mental health?
In the age of technology, children have easy access to different gadgets such as iPad, laptops,
iPhone, smartphones etc. Parents introduce screens to kids as learning medium, on the
contrary misuse and overuse of technology adversely impact child’s mental health.
According to observational studies there is a correlation between screen media exposure and
increase obesity risks and behavioural problems in children and teens.
Research suggests that children and adolescents often exhibit mindless eating behaviours
while watching TV or engaging in video games, contributing to an increase in obesity rates
within this age group. Additionally spending hours in front of screens decreases the physical
or outdoor activities. There is wide gap between calories consumed and calories burned.
The negative impact of technology on mental health:
1. Lack of social skills: Due to increased online interaction, children do not involve in personal
communication. On average children spend 3.5 hours on screen which is a lot of visual
stimulation, gradually they cannot be attentive to a person.
Many children are habituated to watching TV or their favourite cartoon while eating, these
children often associate mealtime with screen time. In absence of a device, they feel irritated,
cannot concentrate on eating, feels disconnected from their parents.
Encourage your child to connect with you during lunch or dinner; listen to their feelings; and
allow them to play with friends. Opportunities to interact with peers and family is all-
important for their socio-emotional development.
2. Poor sleep quality: Overuse of screens during the night leads to sleep deprivation or poor
quality of sleep. Blue light emitted from mobile disrupt circadian rhythms and poses difficulty
to fall asleep. It is interlinked with irritability, mood swings, lack of motivation for physical
activity, stress, anxiety, and depression.
3. Psychological well-being: Internet addiction disorder leads to poor social skills, low
academic grades, and learning barriers. It takes a toll on a child’s mental health and
sometimes also causes ADHD. Higher engagement on social media leads to a feeling of
loneliness and more isolation. Moreover, it leads to decreased communication and intimacy.
4. Cognitive development: Television in the background can hamper parent-child interaction.
The Child cannot learn self-regulation and kids develop attention problem to focus on
instructions hence failing to execute the task properly.
In young kids, excess use of screens slows down language development and causes learning
barriers. It causes poor performance in schools. Consuming adult-directed media can produce
anti-social or aggressive behaviour and can be detrimental to shaping a child’s personality.
Negative social comparison seeds wrong body image perception in young minds.
5. Cyberbullying: According to a McAfee cyberbullying study, 85% of Indian children have
reported being cyberbullied. Kids who perceive negative online interaction have at a greater
risk of developing anxiety and depression.

2. Apart from this, long hours on digital screens result in poor sitting posture. In turn it causes
neck pain, back pain, or cyber motion sickness at an early age. The kids gradually lose interest
and motivation for sports and physical activities. These children develop sedentary lifestyles
and end up making unhealthy eating choices. It can be a major reason for the spike in
childhood obesity. More exposure to digital screens leads to visual disturbances in kids.
Parents are required to be cognizant of the duration kids are spending on digital devices as
well as their online interactions. Face-to-face dialogue is vital to develop common social skills.
Children imitate their parent’s behaviour so both the parents should limit screen usage.
6. Virtual Autism: A new age problem for toddlers due to excessive screen time. The
prolonged exposure to screens and virtual interactions could have adverse effects on the
development of toddlers, showing similarities to symptoms found in autism spectrum
disorder.
Excessive screen time at early age is detrimental to child’s social, cognitive as well as
emotional development leads to virtual autism.
Implementing strategies like reducing screen time and promoting activities that support
healthy development can help alleviate symptoms similar to those observed in virtual autism.
Takeaway,
Screen time recommendation from Indian Academy of Paediatrics for digital wellness in
infants, children and adolescents.
For Children
 below 2 years of age, zero screen time
 2 to 5 years of age, Limit screen time to a maximum of one hour (the lesser the better)
 5 to 10 years of age, limit screen time to less than 2 hours per day
 10 to 18 years of age, balance screen time with other activities essential for overall
development
Vigour 360 works in partnership with schools for student’s physical and mental wellness.
Connect us to know more.