It may seem impressive when a child can recite the alphabet or count to ten after hours of watching educational videos. But does it really translate to a healthy development? The health officials and psychiatrists say that excessive screen time can hinder mental and physical development, limiting a child’s ability to engage in creative play, problem-solving, and meaningful social interaction.
Screen time refers to time spent using devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and watching television.
According to the health ministry, children under the age of two should not be exposed to screens at all.
For children between the ages of two and four, screen time should be limited to no more than one hour per day. Meanwhile, those aged five to 17 should not exceed two hours of screen time daily.
Yet, for many parents, reducing screen time and finding the right balance between its educational benefits and unintended consequences is easier said than done.
“Since assignments and study materials were sent through phones, we had to give them the phone before. But for the past month, we haven’t received any materials online. Now, they only use the phone for about half an hour,” said Pema Choki, a parent residing in Phuentshogling.
A parent from Trashigang, Pema Cheki said, “Children often don’t listen, so they end up watching the phone once or twice a day. But at night, I make sure they go to bed on time because staying up playing on the phone makes them late for school.”
“They say watching cartoons helps them learn. But too much screen time affects their brain and speech, so I don’t let them watch all day,” said Dema, a parent residing in Thimphu.
The ministry says an excessive screen time can lead to delayed cognitive and speech development, disrupted sleep patterns and reduced physical activities.
Recently, the ministry also issued screen time guidelines for children and adolescents, urging parents to monitor their children’s screen time.
“We do not have research, but from what we heard, the hospital says most of the children below the age of five have speech delays. This is due to excessive screen time, which has led us to notify the public,” said Laigden Dzed, the Chief Programme Officer of the Non-Communicable Diseases Division, MoH.
A psychiatrist from the national referral hospital warned that frequent and prolonged screen use, especially on phones, can be harmful during early development.
“What happens is, the brain is still developing at the age of two, and you are learning so many skills such as interacting with people, language and communication skills. So, although if you see children who have been on the screen can sing nursery rhymes fluently and recite the alphabet, they often struggle with back-and-forth conversation,” said Dr Puja Subedi, a psychiatrist.
For adolescents, prolonged screen exposure could increase obesity and eye strain. It can also aggravate mental health issues and lead to poor academic performance.
Pediatric ophthalmologist Dr Dechen Wangmo said, “There are many studies now being conducted in places like Australia and Asia where they suggest early screen exposure can cause myopia. What I mean is that children may need to wear glasses earlier due to elongated eyeballs.”
To address the issue, the ministry has plans to implement a multi-sectoral approach to create awareness and promote healthier digital habits.
Laigden Dzed said, “For example, we have developed strategies with the education and skills development ministry along with the local government, to support the cause. It will be implemented after their approval.”
The health ministry says that mindful screen use, guided by age-appropriate limits and active parental involvement, is key to ensuring the healthy growth and development of children.
Singye Dema
Edited by Sangay Chezom
