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Digital addiction is a growing concern as excessive screen time alters brain function, disrupts sleep patterns, and affects emotional well-being. Children and adolescents, with their developing cognitive abilities, are particularly vulnerable. The rise of interactive content, social media, and gaming has intensified dependency, leading to significant physical and mental health challenges in young individuals.

Impact of Digital Addiction on the Physical and Mental Health of Children and Adolescents

• Reduced Attention Span: Excessive screen exposure reduces children’s ability to concentrate, impacting their academic performance and cognitive function
• Sleep Disorders: Prolonged screen use, especially before bedtime, disrupts melatonin production, leading to insomnia and fatigue.
• Physical Health Issues: Long screen hours lead to obesity, poor posture, and eye strain, causing vision deterioration and musculoskeletal problems.
  For example: WHO reported that myopia among school children increased by 15% post-pandemic due to excessive gadget use.
• Mental Health Disorders: Digital addiction contributes to anxiety, depression, and social isolation, reducing real-world social interactions.
  For example: As per NIH adolescents spending 5+ hours daily on screens were at a 70% higher risk of depression.
• Social Withdrawal: Excessive gadget use leads to reduced outdoor activities, weaker interpersonal skills, and difficulty in emotional regulation.

Measures Parents Can Take to Mitigate These Effects

• Setting Screen Time Limits: Parents should enforce daily time restrictions on gadget use to prevent addiction and encourage healthy habits.
• Encouraging Outdoor Activities: Parents must promote sports, physical games, and hobbies to counteract excessive screen exposure.
  For example: Japan’s school system mandates daily outdoor play, reducing childhood obesity compared to other nations.
• Parental Supervision and Digital Detox: Regular “screen-free zones” and tech-free family time can prevent digital dependence.
  For example: Families practicing a “no-device dinner rule” reported improvement in children’s attention and communication skills.
• Educational Content over Entertainment: Parents should guide children towards productive digital content rather than passive entertainment.
• Seeking Professional Help: If symptoms of addiction appear, parents should consult digital de-addiction experts.
  For example: South Korea established rehabilitation camps, reducing digital dependency among participants.

Measures Government Can Take to Mitigate These Effects

• Digital Wellness Education in Schools: Schools should integrate screen-time awareness programs to educate students about balanced gadget use.
  For example: Finland’s school curriculum includes media literacy classes, reducing screen addiction cases among students
• Strict Regulations on Harmful Digital Content: Governments should enforce age-appropriate content laws and regulate addictive gaming patterns.
• Nationwide Public Awareness Campaigns: Campaigns should highlight digital addiction risks and promote mindful gadget use.
• Infrastructure for Outdoor Activities: Developing safe parks, playgrounds, and sports facilities encourages children to reduce screen dependence.
  For example: Norway’s investment in free sports programs led to increase in outdoor activity among school children.
• Digital De-addiction Clinics and Helplines: Setting up counseling centers for children struggling with excessive screen use can offer professional guidance.
  For example: India’s digital detox center in Bengaluru Beyond Screens’ will help individuals struggling with digital addiction.

Unchecked digital addiction threatens the cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being of the youth. A multi-stakeholder approach is essential, parents must enforce digital discipline, while the government should regulate screen exposure, integrate digital literacy in education, and strengthen mental health initiatives. Expanding MANAS, Poshan Abhiyaan, and cyber wellness programs will promote  a healthier digital ecosystem.

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