As the holiday season approaches, pediatric experts are raising urgent concerns about the developmental risks associated with increased screen time among children. Dr. Melissa Rooplal, a consultant community pediatrician and child development specialist, emphasizes that the fundamental question isn’t about specific time limits but how digital devices displace essential childhood activities.
Research reveals a troubling trend: children’s daily screen usage skyrocketed by approximately 84 minutes during the pandemic—a 52% increase from pre-pandemic levels—and these elevated patterns have persisted into the post-pandemic era. While traditional television viewing declines, children are consuming more fast-paced, highly stimulating content through platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and gaming applications.
The developmental consequences are multifaceted. Early childhood learning, which thrives through hands-on experiences and social interaction, becomes compromised when screens dominate. Rapidly shifting digital content alters attention systems, making ordinary activities like story listening or toy playing seem dull by comparison. This neurological adaptation weakens children’s capacity for sustained attention, impulse control, and frustration management.
Emotional regulation suffers when devices become primary soothing mechanisms, depriving children of opportunities to develop self-regulation skills. Social development falters as screen time reduces crucial face-to-face interactions necessary for learning empathy, sharing, and reading emotional cues. Physical health deteriorates through reduced active play, potentially contributing to obesity, poor posture, and sleep deficiencies—especially when evening screen use suppresses melatonin production.
Dr. Rooplal recommends introducing screens only after 18 months, with strict adherence to slow-paced, educational content co-viewed with adults. She advocates for balanced tech gifting—prioritizing age-appropriate devices with parental controls alongside screen-free alternatives like puzzles, art supplies, and outdoor equipment. Critical strategies include device-free meals, screens only after outdoor activities, and mandatory screen blackouts one hour before bedtime.
The expert concludes that intentional, informed parenting—focusing on consistent habits rather than strict elimination—can help children develop healthier relationships with technology while preserving essential developmental milestones.