A new study by AIIMS Raipur has sounded the alarm on India’s youngest digital natives. Children under 5 are spending an average of 2.2 hours a day on screens—twice the safe limit—raising serious concerns about their physical, mental, and social development.
Infants Under 2 Also Exposed
Even children under two years, for whom screen time should ideally be zero, are averaging 1.2 hours daily, the study revealed. The findings are based on a meta-analysis of 10 studies covering 2,857 children across India, published in the medical journal Cureus.
What’s at Stake?
Excessive screen exposure is linked to:
Delayed language skills
Lower cognitive development
Social withdrawal
Behavioral issues
Obesity
Sleep disturbances
Pediatricians like Dr. D.K. Gupta of Felix Hospitals warn that 60–70% of children under 5 are overusing screens. “We’re seeing more cases of restlessness, poor concentration, and aggression in toddlers,” he said.
What Can Parents Do?
Experts urge immediate steps:
Create tech-free zones at home (especially bedrooms and dining areas)
Set daily screen time limits
Prioritize offline play and interaction
Lead by example—reduce your own screen time as a parent
In Ghaziabad, the Chief Medical Officer has gone a step further by issuing public advisories to educate parents on digital addiction risks and ways to counter it.
A Wake-Up Call for Digital Parenting
As smartphones and tablets become babysitters in many Indian homes, this study serves as a wake-up call. “The problem isn’t tech—it’s how and when we use it,” experts stress. Responsible digital habits and early offline bonding are key to building a healthier future.
