Ranchi Doctors Sound Alarm Over Rising Screen Addiction Among Children
In Ranchi, a concerning trend is emerging as medical professionals report a sharp increase in children suffering from physical and psychological issues linked to excessive screen time. Doctors from both public and private hospitals are witnessing cases where prolonged exposure to digital devices is leading to significant developmental and health problems.
Case Studies Highlight the Severity of the Issue
One notable case involved a twelve-year-old boy, referred to as Rishav for privacy, who was a top-performing student until Class V. His academic performance began to decline steadily, accompanied by unexplained weight gain, which deeply worried his parents. After initial consultations and tests, including a brain CT scan at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims), no medical issues were found.
It was only through counselling sessions that the root cause was uncovered: Rishav had been spending excessive hours on digital devices, which severely reduced his attention span and negatively impacted his overall health. Dr Partha Kumar Choudhary, a professor in the paediatrics department at Rims, emphasized that such scenarios are becoming increasingly common not just in Ranchi but across the entire state.
Dr Choudhary explained, "Working parents often use devices to console and feed their children, seeking temporary relief. However, this habit can lead to severe long-term issues as children grow older. We are treating toddlers to adolescents who exhibit reduced attention spans, cognitive difficulties, poor interactive skills, anxiety, obesity, and various other physical and psychological challenges."
Another Disturbing Incident Involving a Toddler
In a separate incident at a private hospital in Ranchi, a two-and-a-half-year-old child was brought in after his parents noticed abrupt behavioral changes. Over three to four months, the child had become engrossed in watching videos on a mobile phone, a common distraction used by his working parents to keep him occupied.
Gradually, the parents observed that the child stopped speaking and showed minimal interaction. Following a thorough evaluation, doctors recommended an immediate cessation of mobile phone exposure. Instead, they advised occupational therapy, play-based learning, and increased direct interaction with caregivers.
A guardian was arranged to spend quality time with the child, actively encouraging communication and playful activities. Remarkably, within two to three months, the child began to show substantial improvement. During a recent follow-up, he was found to be nearly on par with his peer group and has since started attending play school.
Expert Insights and Practical Recommendations
Dr Vinod Kumar, a consultant paediatrician at the private hospital, highlighted the critical impact of screen time during formative years. "Excessive screen exposure can severely affect speech and language development, diminish attention spans, and hinder creativity, imagination, and problem-solving abilities in children," he stated.
To combat this growing issue, Dr Kumar outlined essential guidelines for parents:
- Set Clear Boundaries: Establish and enforce consistent screen-time limits.
- Age-Appropriate Limits: Children under two should avoid screens entirely, except for brief video calls. For ages two to five, limit screen time to a maximum of one hour daily. Children aged 6 to 12 should not exceed one to two hours of recreational screen time per day.
- Promote Outdoor Activities: Ensure at least one to two hours of outdoor play daily, as physical activities significantly enhance both physical and mental well-being.
Dr Kumar concluded, "With mindful guidance and consistent routines, parents can ensure that technology serves as a helpful tool rather than becoming a harmful dependency for their children." This proactive approach is crucial in addressing the escalating screen addiction crisis among the youth in Ranchi and beyond.
