CHILDHOOD IN THE GRIP OF MOBILE FROM THE WOMB TO AUTISM — A DIGITAL TRAP

"Mobile is a one-way traffic" — this statement is no longer a warning, but a stark reality of modern society.

- By: Ramesh Bansal, Founder - Sarmount Welfare Trust

INTRODUCTION

Today, children often make their first connection with a mobile screen rather than with their parents’ eyes. The digital world’s hold on childhood is deepening, affecting not only typical children but also those with special needs, especially children with autism.

DIGITAL EXPOSURE BEGINS IN THE WOMB

Just as Abhimanyu in the Mahabharata learned complex strategies in the womb, today’s unborn child absorbs its environment too. When an expecting mother spends long hours on the phone — watching videos, browsing social media, or taking calls — it impacts the child.

Radiation from mobile devices and constant exposure to stimuli can affect the baby’s neurological development. Studies have linked excessive screen use during pregnancy to hyperactivity, delayed speech, and attention disorders in children.

THE DIGITAL EFFECT - A GROWING CONCERN