Indian kids under 5 spending double the safe screen time, finds study
This screen overload is not just a harmless habit. The study found that higher screen use is linked to delayed language skills, lower cognitive ability, poor social behaviour, higher obesity risk, disturbed sleep, and trouble concentrating.WHY THIS MATTERS FOR PARENTSIn many Indian households, phones and tablets are handed over to keep kids quiet during meals or meltdowns. But this may be doing more harm than good.As Dr DK Gupta from Felix Hospitals explained as per a TPI report on this student, about 60-70% of children under five are spending more time on screens than advised, which could lead to both physical and behavioural issues.He suggests parents set a better example: 'If children see their parents constantly on screens, they'll naturally want to do the same.'
SMALL CHANGES THAT CAN HELPThe AIIMS study offers a few practical ideas that parents can start with:Create tech-free zones in your home (like bedrooms or dinner tables)Stick to consistent screen time limits based on your child's ageMake time for active play and talking with your child every dayAvoid screens during meals or as pacifiersA recent advisory from the Chief Medical Officer in Ghaziabad also encouraged parents to get their kids outdoors and involved in social activities as a way to reduce dependency on digital devices.WHAT WE CAN DO BETTERScreen time is a growing problem, but it's not unsolvable. Experts say it's important to promote responsible digital habits early on, including showing kids what healthy screen use looks like and choosing age-appropriate content when screens are used.With so many children exposed to devices from a young age, doctors, teachers and parents need to work together to spread awareness and push for better screen hygiene. Because it's not just about turning off a screen -- it's about switching on better habits for healthier childhoods.- Ends
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Indian-Origin US Doctor To Pay $2 Million Over Fraudulent Billing For Fake Surgeries
Dr Ajay Aggarwal, an anesthesiologist and pain medicine doctor, billed federally funded health care programmes without actually performing the surgical procedures. A 63-year-old Indian-origin doctor has agreed to pay over $2 million to resolve allegations that he submitted false claims to federally funded health care programs for the surgical implantation of neurostimulator electrodes, according to US Attorney Nicholas J Ganjei. As per an official statement by the US Attorney's Office in the Southern District of Texas, Dr Ajay Aggarwal, an anesthesiologist and pain medicine doctor who also practices in Texas' Bellaire city, Lake Jackson city and Van Vleck (in Matagorda County), used to conduct his medical practice known as The Pain Relief & Wellness Centre. From November 16, 2021, to March 28, 2023, Aggarwal billed federally funded health care programmes, such as Medicare and the Department of Labour's Workers' Compensation Programmes, for the surgical implantation of neurostimulator electrodes. As these are invasive procedures that require use of an operating room, Medicare and other federally funded health care programmes pay thousands of dollars per procedure. However, it was later found that neither Aggarwal nor his staff performed these surgical procedures. Authorities alleged that patients only received devices used for electro-acupuncture, which only involved inserting monofilament wire a few millimetres into patients' ears and taping the neurostimulator behind the ear with an adhesive. As per the allegations, all device placements took place in Aggarwal's clinic, not a hospital or surgical centre, and no incision was made on a patient. 'A doctor who uses simple medical devices on his patients, yet bills Medicare for a sophisticated spinal surgery, is bilking the American taxpayer, plain and simple," said US Attorney Ganjei. As a result, Aggarwal was fined $2 million for billing fraud. 'The Southern District of Texas will ensure that losses to federally funded healthcare programs from fraudulent billing, like what happened here, are recouped and that wrongdoers are held accountable," Ganjei added. An Indian-origin physician admitted guilt last month to federal charges involving the unlawful prescription of powerful opioid medications, which led to the fatal overdoses of two individuals. Sentencing in the case is scheduled for October 31. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 14th Aug 2025
Releasing timely pension best gift for freedom fighters This is in response to the article headlined 'Bandi Sanjay orders swift action on freedom fighters' pensions and enemy properties' (THI, August 13). I strongly commend this decision, as it assures justice for our freedom fighters besides ensuring responsible management of national assets. Considering that over 26,000 pension cases are pending, the August 31 deadline to clear all of them is not just administrative efficiency but also a moral duty and a thanksgiving gesture to those who gave us our freedom. The parallel action on enemy properties is equally commendable. Swift pensions and transparent property management together reflect a governance that respects history while securing the nation's future, which is a step every citizen should support. Nooreen Fatima, St Francis College for Women, Hyderabad Organ donation must be encouraged The statistics that emerged on the International Organ Donation Day (August 13) make for dismal news in the Indian context. It is startling that there are only 0.65 donors for every 10-lakh people, whereas it is an overwhelming 30 in Spain and Croatia. Even more tragically alarming is that 15 persons die for want of organs every day. This is a sorry state-of-affairs when we consider the significant strides India is making in the field of medicine and organ transplantation. According to one estimation, approximately two lakh people are waiting for kidney transplantation, and 50k each for liver and heart transplantation. Transplantation among women is very poor vis-à-vis organ donations. A brain-dead person can give life to eight persons if his/her organs are transplanted to those battling for life. There is a need to spread awareness about this humanitarian act, as a measure to curtail organ harvesting rackets. Pratapa Reddy Yaramala, Tiruvuru (AP) Spread awareness about organ donations This has reference to the article 'Raising awareness about importance of organ donation'. Every August 13 is a reminder to one and all about the need for organ donation. It is a gift that offers hope to patients and their family. It is an astounding fact that over three lakh patients in India are looking for Good Samaritan organ donors. I feel medical authorities must educate masses on how to donate organs and thereby save lives, which would be a praiseworthy noble act. G Murali Mohan Rao, Secunderabad-11 Lending a humane touch to World Elephant Day I sincerely appreciate the great initiative undertaken by the Nehru Zoological Park. (Nehru zoo celebrates World Elephant Day with spl. feasts for jumbo inmates-THI). It was heart-touching to read about the special care and attention given to four elephants-Vanaja, Asha, Sita and Vijay. Specially prepared cakes, a 'jumbo feast' and a refreshing three-km walk around the premises epitomise the staff's dedication and genuine concern for animals. By providing a safe environment for their inmates, the zoo serves as a powerful educational platform. These actions help to foster a sense of responsibility and empathy for animals, which in the long-term will be very helpful. Suraiyya Asad, St Francis College for Women, Hyderabad
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Organ donation rate very low despite 18k transplants last year
India's current organ donation rate continues to be abysmal, at 0.81 per million, as compared to better faring countries such as Spain where the number stands around 52, according to people familiar with the matter. Organ donation rate very low despite 18k transplants last year The organ donation rate, which is the number of deceased donations per million population, is based on figures reported by Indian states and Union territories and compiled by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO). 'It is still low when you compare with countries like Spain but the numbers are gradually picking up. Government is working to ensure there is adequate awareness towards deceased organ donation among masses, and it has started showing results,' said an official, requesting anonymity. While addressing the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day last month, Union health minister, JP Nadda, said, 'Despite the urgent need there remains a significant gap between the number of patients waiting for transplants and the number of available donors. This gap is not due to lack of willingness but often due to lack of awareness and hesitation rooted in the myths and misconceptions.' 'India achieved a remarkable milestone of performing over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024, the highest ever recorded in a single year, a significant leap from fewer than 5,000 transplants in 2013,' he added. As per government data released last month, 63,000 individuals currently need kidney transplants, and around 22,000 liver transplants in India, while the donation rate remains under 1% relative to population. 'Health being a state subject, it is the responsibility of the States/UTs to ensure that registered hospitals comply with the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994. THOTA 1994 provides for appointment of State Appropriate Authority (SAA) by the respective State Governments, for the purposes of this Act. SAA is empowered under the Act to investigate any complaint of breach of any of the provisions of this Act or any of the rules made thereunder and take appropriate action,' said the health ministry in a recent written reply in Parliament. The Government works closely with the state governments, to ensure implementation of the provisions of THOTA 1994. Among the steps taken by the government to curb illegal organ transplants include setting up of National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO)— a national apex level organiwation for establishing a network for procurement and distribution of organs and tissues and to maintain a national registry for surveillance of organ donation and transplantation in the country. Key priorities of NOTTO, which now has over 330,000 registered donors, are upgrading infrastructure, improving coordination and service delivery, and building skilled manpower through ongoing training. 'NOTTO along with Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations (ROTTOs), State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations (SOTTOs) organise awareness programs across the country to disseminate information about provisions of THOTA 1994, so that people are cognizant towards the government recognized processes of organ donation permitted by the law, along with the illegality and repercussions associated with indulgence in organ trafficking, in order to make it easy for them to comply with the provisions of law,' read the reply. All states need to constitute an advisory committee as per provisions of the THOTA 1994 to aid and advise the appropriate authority in discharging its functions of controlling illegal organ transplant activities. 'India has made significant progress in the field of organ and tissue transplantation, with increasing public awareness and improved infrastructure. However, the demand for organs far exceeds the availability, and thousands of patients continue to wait for life-saving transplants. The Government, through NOTTO, remains committed to strengthening the organ donation ecosystem in the country,' said the health ministry in an earlier statement.
