In today’s digital world, children across all age groups are increasingly exposed to mobile devices. This article explores scientifically backed recommendations for appropriate screen time, highlights findings from India and Pakistan, explains why parents allow mobile use, and includes recent insights from YouTuber Dhruv Rathee. Let’s dive in.
Scientific Screen Time Guidelines (Global)
- World Health Organization (WHO) recommends:
- 0–1 year: No screen time.
- 2–4 years: Maximum 1 hour/day, with less being better.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises:
- Birth to 18–24 months: Avoid screens, except for video chats.
- 2–5 years: Limit to about 1 hour/day with high-quality content and co-viewing.
India: What the Data Shows
- A meta-analysis (June 2025) found children under five in India average 2.22 hours of screen time per day—double the recommended limit.
- Doctors from King George’s Medical University warn excessive screen use in pre-schoolers can lead to obesity, myopia, sleep disturbances, developmental delays, ADHD-like symptoms, and mental health issues.
Pakistan: Pandemic’s Impact on Kid’s Screen Time
- A survey during COVID-19 showed children in Pakistan spent 5–10 hours daily on screens.
- 5–7 hours: 48%
- 8–10 hours: 30%.
- Common complaints included: blurred vision, eye pain, headaches, red eyes, watering, dry eyes—classic symptoms of digital eye strain.
Why Do Parents Allow Children Screen Time?
- Convenience & distraction: Mobile devices often quiet kids, especially when parents are busy.
- Educational resources: Screens provide learning opportunities; parents sometimes justify usage for early education.
- Social connection: Video calls help young children keep touch with relatives.
- Lack of awareness: Many parents may not fully understand the risks or guidelines around excessive screen time.
Dhruv Rathee’s Perspective
Recently, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee addressed mobile addiction as a growing crisis among Gen-Z and younger children, calling it a “silent epidemic.” His videos highlight how screen overuse is shaping kids’ future mental and physical health. He links screens to developmental delays, ADHD-like behavior, and emotional detachment—reinforcing scientific concerns with real-world urgency.
Recommended Screen Time Limits by Age
| Age Group | Recommended Screen Time | Observed in India / Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2 years | 0 (or very minimal) | Indian average: ~1.23 hrs (under 2 yrs) |
| 2–5 years | ≤ 1 hr/day | India: ~2.2 hrs/day |
| 6+ years | No strict global limit; encourage moderation, quality content | Pakistan (COVID-era): 5–10 hrs/day |
Conclusion
Scientific guidelines emphasize minimizing screen exposure—especially in early years—for optimal cognitive, physical, and emotional development. Unfortunately, children in India and Pakistan often exceed recommended limits, risking health and developmental outcomes. Parental awareness and digital discipline are key: prioritize interactive, developmental activities, limit screen time, and follow expert-backed limits. Voices like Dhruv Rathee echo and amplify these concerns, pushing for urgent family-level action.
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