Significant increase in screen time among children | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
News Today Logo

    Significant increase in screen time among children

    Posted 29 Apr 2024

    2 min read

    • In several studies, it has been found that screen time among children is more than 2 hours a day.

     

    • Reasons for the Rise in Screen time among children: 
      • Role Modelling: Children usually imitate their parents/other family members and peer group.
      • Educational or recreational purposes: With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, use of Mobile has witnessed rapid and widespread acceptance.
      • Working parents: They usually provide mobile phones to children’s for different purposes such as safety. 
      • Increased Accessibility: Proliferation of smartphones, tablets, computers, and other digital devices recently.

     

    • Concerns: 
      • Mental and Physical Health Issues:  High exposure may lead to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.
        • A sedentary lifestyle may lead to physical health issues like obesity. 
      • Cognitive ability and social skills: High screen time can hinder the development of important Cognitive, social, and emotional skills, such as empathy.
      • Cyber Bullying and Child Abuse: Incidents of bullying and abuse are rising. Young girls are more prone to them. 

     

    • Way Ahead: Emphasis on physical activities, limiting screen time by creating awareness, etc.

     

    Initiatives Taken to deal with Concerns associated with screen time

    • World Health Organization (WHO) released guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep for children
    • Manodarpan Initiative, launched by the Ministry of Education to provide psychosocial support to students for Mental Health and Emotional well-being.
    • Cyber Crime Prevention Against Women and Children (CCPWC) scheme, is an initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs to provide children with a safe and secure online environment. 

     

    • Tags :
    • Mental health
    • Screen Time
    • Cyber Bullying
    Watch News Today
    Subscribe for Premium Features