SHIELD AGAINST SCREEN

Excessive screen time and unhealthy eating habits are putting children at risk to diseases linked to a sedentary lifestyle. Being a little careful about our daily practices and keeping a health fund at hand can help fight this vulnerability

- Aaron Varghese Charly

While technology has undeniably enriched our lives, the health of our children is at risk more than ever before. Most children are exposed to excessive screen time and a sedentary lifestyle, with the virtual world taking over our lives in more ways than one.

Interactions with friends and cousins are more about chatting on  social media than being facilitated via physical activities, especially after the pandemic changed habits of going out regularly.

Ten-year-old Aanya Jain from Pune began wearing spectacles in May 2023. Her mother Chandni blames it on the sudden spike in screen time during the pandemic due to online classes and activities. “She used to spend approximately 5 hours daily as screen time, engaged in activities such as playing games, watching cartoons films, and attending online classes. Although she is not too much into computer games, she watches music videos, does art and crafts, and relies on YouTube and Google for that. Despite her efforts to reduce screen time, challenges persist due to the need for online references in academics and even creative endeavours,” says Chandni.

A sedentary lifestyle can lead to various health issues among children. Says Dr Sujit Chatterjee, CEO of Hiranandani Hospital in Powai, Mumbai, “Reduced physical activity caused by excessive screen time can lead to obesity in children. Prolonged screen use can strain the eyes, causing dryness and blurry vision. Poor sitting posture while using screens can cause neck and back pain, and in extreme cases, even issues related to arthritis. It can also interfere with sleep habits. Anxiety, sadness, and ADHD risk factors increase.”