Sat Mar 28 15:34:44 UTC 2026: # Indian Study Highlights Parental Concerns Over Children’s Excessive Screen Time

The Story: A study conducted by researchers at the Services for Healthy Use of Technology (SHUT) Clinic at NIMHANS, published in the Industrial Psychiatry Journal, reveals growing parental anxiety in India regarding children’s screen time. The study, which surveyed 424 parents of children up to 18 years old, links excessive screen use to loss of control, negative impacts on well-being, and difficulties in regulating usage. Parents are seeking guidance and skill-based interventions to manage their children’s technology use.

Key Points:

  • The study, titled “Technology use and screen time among children: Parental concerns from a cross-sectional survey in India,” surveyed 424 parents.
  • Higher screen time is associated with children’s inability to regulate usage, excessive engagement with gaming and social media, and difficulties in responsible use.
  • Perceived loss of control was the most prominent parental concern, accounting for nearly half of responses.
  • Children with access to multiple digital devices and those from single-child households showed higher screen engagement.
  • Researchers emphasize that problematic technology use is defined not only by duration but also by patterns like loss of control and the extent to which it affects a child’s functioning.
  • Parents expressed a need for practical strategies to manage screen time, improve communication, and enhance digital literacy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Excessive screen time among children is a growing concern for parents in India, impacting their overall well-being.
  • Parental psychoeducation and structured training programs are needed to address the issue.
  • Early intervention and culturally relevant digital wellness frameworks are essential.

Impact Analysis:

  • Short-Term: Increased awareness among parents and educators regarding the potential negative impacts of excessive screen time. Possible surge in demand for parental guidance programs and digital literacy workshops.
  • Medium-Term: Schools, paediatric services, and community mental health systems may integrate screen time management strategies into their programs. Potential development of new digital wellness frameworks tailored to the Indian context.
  • Long-Term: Longitudinal studies and objective measures of screen use are likely to be conducted to understand the long-term impacts on children’s development. This could lead to revised guidelines and policies regarding children’s technology use.

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