Concerns around excessive screen and social media use among children are prompting governments, technology companies and mental health experts to push for stronger safeguards. Parents, meanwhile, are being urged to recognise when ordinary screen use may have developed into problematic behaviour that affects a child’s daily life.
Recent measures in several countries reflect the growing concern. WhatsApp introduced parent-supervised accounts for younger users in March, while Meta agreed in August to strengthen age-estimation measures and introduce additional protections for younger users as part of an $18 billion settlement with 48 US states. In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced restrictions on generative AI tools for students through eighth grade alongside a new screen-time policy. France has also tightened rules around mobile phone use in high schools, with President Emmanuel Macron encouraging students to spend less time on phones and social networks.
India's Economic Survey 2025–26 has also flagged the rapid growth of digital screen use among children and adolescents, particularly through short-form videos, generative AI chatbots and gaming streams. The survey linked excessive digital engagement with concerns surrounding mental well-being, human capital development and future productivity. For parents, the challenge becomes more complicated when a screen has become a child's primary source of entertainment, social interaction, distraction and comfort.
Also Read: Why Is Your Child Always Tired? 7 Common Causes Parents Should Know
Mental health experts point to several warning signs. Dr Pavitra Shankar, Associate Consultant, Psychiatry, Aakash Healthcare, explains that pre-teen brains are still developing reward and impulse-control systems, while highly engaging digital content can encourage repeated use and make slower activities appear less rewarding. Psychiatrist Dr Samir Parikh of Fortis Healthcare and Adayu Mindfulness notes that concern rises when a digital platform becomes a child's automatic choice whenever they have free time, potentially affecting concentration, social life and physical health.
There is no standalone clinical diagnosis called “screen addiction”, although problematic digital use can interfere significantly with daily functioning. The World Health Organization's ICD-11 recognises gaming disorder when gaming becomes difficult to control, takes priority over other activities and continues despite harmful consequences. Warning signs can include constantly checking devices, rushing through meals or homework to return to a screen, losing interest in earlier hobbies, hiding online activity, struggling with boredom and becoming highly distressed when access is restricted.
Parents can respond by establishing clear screen limits while avoiding shame or fear-based approaches. Keeping devices away from bedrooms at night, maintaining screen-free mealtimes and replacing digital entertainment with sports, reading, music, hobbies and family activities can help. Adults should also model healthy device habits themselves. Dr Rahul Chandhok of Artemis Hospitals advises parents to pay attention to persistent sleep disruption, academic decline, social withdrawal, loss of control or aggressive reactions. When screen use begins affecting sleep, school, relationships or everyday functioning, professional assessment may be appropriate.
Also Read: Early And Late Breast Cancer Symptoms: Warning Signs You Should Know