Ranchi Doctors Sound Alarm Over Rising Screen Addiction Among Children
In Ranchi, medical professionals are raising urgent concerns about a growing epidemic of screen addiction among children, linking excessive digital device use to serious physical and psychological health issues. Recent cases at local hospitals highlight the profound impact on young lives.
Case Studies Reveal Disturbing Trends
A twelve-year-old student, identified as Rishav, previously excelled academically until his performance began to decline in Class VI, accompanied by noticeable weight gain. His worried parents consulted the paediatrics department at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, where initial tests, including a brain CT scan, found no medical abnormalities.
However, counselling sessions uncovered that Rishav had been spending prolonged periods on digital devices, which significantly reduced his attention span and contributed to his health deterioration. Dr Partha Kumar Choudhary, professor of paediatrics at Rims, noted that such cases are escalating not only in Ranchi but across the entire state.
Younger Children Also Affected
In another alarming instance, a two-and-a-half-year-old child was brought to a private hospital in Ranchi after his parents observed sudden behavioural changes. Over three to four months, the toddler had become engrossed in watching videos on a mobile phone, often used to occupy him while both parents worked. Gradually, he stopped speaking and showed minimal interaction.
Doctors recommended an immediate halt to mobile phone exposure, replacing it with occupational therapy, play-based learning, and increased direct caregiver interaction. A guardian was arranged to engage the child in communication and play activities.
Within two to three months, significant improvement was noted. During a recent follow-up, the child had nearly caught up with his peer group and began attending play school, demonstrating the reversibility of such effects with timely intervention.
Expert Insights on Screen Time Dangers
Dr Vinod Kumar, a consultant paediatrician at the private hospital, emphasized the critical risks: "Excessive screen time during formative years can severely impair speech and language development, reduce attention span, and hinder creativity, imagination, and problem-solving abilities."
He attributed the rise in cases to working parents using devices to console and feed children, a practice that offers temporary relief but leads to long-term issues as children grow. Dr Choudhary added that they treat children from toddlers to adolescents suffering from cognitive difficulties, lack of interactive skills, anxiety, obesity, and other psychological problems.
Practical Guidelines for Parents
To combat this trend, Dr Kumar provided clear recommendations for screen time limits:
- Children under two years should avoid screens entirely, except for occasional video calls with family.
- For ages two to five, limit screen time to a maximum of one hour per day.
- Children aged 6-12 should not exceed one to two hours of recreational screen time daily.
He stressed the importance of parental involvement in setting consistent boundaries and encouraging at least one to two hours of daily outdoor play. "Sports and physical activities are vital for enhancing both physical and mental well-being," he said.
With mindful guidance and structured routines, parents can ensure technology serves as a helpful tool rather than a harmful dependency, safeguarding their children's health and development in an increasingly digital world.
