3 days ago
Over 81% of kids need screens while eating, warns SU
Rajkot: More than 81 percent of children require mobile screen engagement while eating their meals, according to the Psychology Department at Saurashtra University. A recent study conducted by students Harsha Gondaliya and Jigna Varu surveyed 940 children under the age of ten in Rajkot, revealing that most youngsters watch cartoons on their mobile devices during mealtimes.
Parents, eager to ensure their children finish their food, have largely acquiesced to this practice.
The university's advisory warns that such dependence on mobile distraction can have long-term repercussions on a child's mental and physical well-being. By focusing on screens rather than their plates, children miss out on the sensory experience of taste and aroma, fostering mechanical eating habits that may lead to nutritional imbalances.
Dr Yogesh Jogsan, Head of the Psychology Department, explained, "There was a time when families sat together at the dining table, sharing stories about their day. Those conversations taught children language skills, respectful communication, and the importance of relationships. Nowadays, children miss these opportunities, which can hinder their vocabulary growth and social development."
Beyond cognitive and social impacts, the department cautioned that excessive screen time strains young eyes, potentially necessitating prescription glasses at an early age. The advisory urges parents to minimize mobile use during meals and to revive family mealtimes as a space for conversation and connection.
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Eid wishes
,
messages
, and
quotes
!
