Netflix’s latest drama “Adolescence” may have heightened concerns on the impact of screen addictions among the young. The health and psychological impacts of digital addiction and excessive screen time are increasingly becoming a cause for concern. “Adolescence” has got people talking about parenting in a digital age.
While it gives a glimpse into the lives of teenagers, their social media experiences and how it shapes or influences their worldview, at the root of it lies the dark side of social media and increasing screen culture among the young. What worries doctors most is digital addiction’s impact on the physical and mental health of children and adolescents. Identifying digital addiction in children “Overuse of digital devices can impact mental health, sleep, physical activity, a cademic performance, and social skills in children.
It is important to watch for the following signs of digital addiction in children - irritability when devices are taken away, decline in academic performance, social withdrawal, sleep disturbances, eye strain or headaches and neglect of hobbies and outdoor play,” said Janani Sankar, medical director of Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital (KKCTH). The factors that lead to digital addiction in children are well-known. As Dr.
Janani listed out: easy access to devices, lack of parental control or supervision, online gaming and social media rewards, lack of outdoor and social activities and peer pressure. “Reduced attention span.
