Excessive Screen Time Poses Serious Heart, Brain and Mental Health Risks for Children

Rising use of excessive mobiles, TVs, and tablets among children is creating an “invisible epidemic,” impacting their heart health, mental balance, and social behaviour, experts warn

New Delhi | 11 March, 2026: In today’s digital era, excessive screen exposure is emerging as a hidden but serious threat to children’s overall health. Studies from global and local research indicate that prolonged use of mobile phones, tablets, and televisions not only affects eyesight but also increases risks for cardiovascular problems, mental health challenges, and behavioural issues among young children.

Experts recommend age‑based screen time limits to mitigate risks: children under 2 years should have no screen exposure; those aged 2-6 years should limit usage to 1 hour under parental supervision; and children 6-16 years should restrict screen time to 2 hours daily.

Reducing screen time significantly boosts physical activity, with research showing an average increase of 45.8 minutes of daily movement, which in turn supports heart health and mental well-being.

Key findings include:

• Heart risks: Every hour spent in front of screens contributes to early signs of heart problems, especially in children with poor sleep habits. Incidences of back and neck pain are also rising.
• Vision and obesity: Surveys in Surat revealed that 10% of children experience eye issues, 22% face obesity, and 15% suffer from sleep deprivation due to excessive screen use.
• Speech and mental development: About 12% of children under 3 years show delayed speech, while 13% of older students display aggressive behaviour and social or emotional disturbances linked to screen addiction.

Healthcare professionals urge parents to actively monitor screen time, promote physical activity, and encourage social interaction to safeguard children’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development.

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