Impact of Digital Screen Time on Adolescents

Abstract

Digital technology are continue to grow and advance use in the adolescents. Excessive digital screen time can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, social isolation, and decreased physical activity, ultimately affecting adolescents’ physical and mental health. Adolescents in India refer to individuals between the ages of 10 to 19 years, who are in a stage of transition from childhood to adulthood. This phase is characterized by physical, emotional, and psychological changes. According to the 2011 census, there are approximately 253 million adolescents in India, accounting for 20 percent of the country’s population. Indian adolescents spend an average of 4 to 5 hours per day on screens (e.g., playing games, video-chatting, online gaming, televisions, watching videos or movies, desktop, smart-phone, tablet, e-readers, watching movies or series on over-the-top platforms, browsing the internet, texting or messaging, playing video games, using apps, online learning or education using devices to make digital art or music and so on). It’s essential for parents, caregivers, and educators to be aware of and monitor adolescents’ digital screen time to ensure a healthy balance between screen time and other aspects of life. Remember, finding a balance between screen time and other aspects of life is crucial for adolescents’ overall well-being.