Experts Warn Excessive Screen Time Drives Developmental, Emotional Issues in Children Worldwide

Recent studies and expert analyses highlight growing concerns about excessive screen time among children, linking it to emotional, behavioral, and developmental issues. Neurologists warn of a condition termed "virtual autism," characterized by autism-like behaviors in young children due to high screen exposure and lack of real-world social interaction, but emphasize its reversibility with reduced screen time and increased face-to-face engagement. A large international study found that extensive screen use can exacerbate problems like anxiety, aggression, low self-confidence, and hyperactivity, creating a cycle where emotional difficulties lead to more screen use, with variations seen across age and gender. Meanwhile, experts also caution that not all screen time is harmful, noting the importance of content type and social context, and advocate for balanced, mindful usage rather than outright avoidance. Recommendations from pediatricians and child psychiatrists include limiting screen time according to age, avoiding screens in bedrooms to improve sleep, encouraging outdoor and family activities, setting device boundaries, and fostering open communication to mitigate digital distress and its impact on children's wellbeing. These combined insights call for urgent public awareness and national action to address the complex challenges posed by children's screen exposure.