Digital addiction: More children seeking help from psychiatrists

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The number of children approaching psychiatrists because of excessive use of digital media is on the rise. Lack of sleep, behavioural issues, learning difficulties, and aggression are some of the major problems linked to this trend.

Every week, between 20 and 30 children are seeking treatment at the psychiatry outpatient wings of Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, and Kozhikode Medical Colleges.

The National Economic Survey has also raised concerns about this issue. Experts say that digital addiction among children has increased significantly after COVID.

Impact of excessive screen use

1. Children are reaching a stage where they feel friendships are not necessary for happiness, pushing them into social isolation.
2. Late-night screen use is leading to sleep deprivation, memory loss, lack of concentration, and emotional issues like irritability and anger.
3. Constant exposure to fast-moving visuals reduces attention span.
4. Misuse of the internet, including access to the dark web, has made it easier to purchase drugs, increasing the risk of substance abuse.

“No visual media should be shown to children below two years of age. For children aged 2–3 years, screen time should not exceed half an hour. For ages 3–5, it should be limited to one hour, and for ages 6–18, a maximum of two hours per day is recommended.”

— Dr. Arun B. Nair, Psychiatry Department, Medical College