Experts Warn: Excessive Screen Time and Trauma Can Lead to Behavioral Issues in Children
On World Mental Health Day, experts highlighted the impact of excessive screen time, trauma, and violence on children’s behavior.
Observed annually on October 10, World Mental Health Day aims to raise awareness and combat stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Recent years have seen a significant rise in behavioral problems among children, including increased aggressiveness, anger, and anxiety disorders.
“Excessive screen time, exposure to trauma, and violence can lead to behavioral changes in children, resulting in tantrums, aggression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and depression,” stated Dr. Shorouq Motwani, a psychiatrist at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai.
Dr. Sameera S. Rao, a consultant pediatrician and neonatologist, noted a correlation between rising behavioral issues and factors such as stress, excessive screen exposure, and disrupted routines.
Common symptoms to watch for include sudden mood swings, irritability, and unexplained anger. Other indicators may involve headaches, self-harm, impulsivity, hyperactivity, inattention, and poor academic performance.
Experts urged parents to recognize early signs of behavioral changes, as timely intervention is crucial for effective management. Dr. Rao emphasized that shifts in eating or sleeping patterns, reluctance to attend school, and disengagement from activities can signal underlying issues.
Regressive behaviors, such as bedwetting or thumb-sucking, and compulsive actions, like repetitive rituals, may also indicate distress, according to Dr. Rao.
Motwani advised parents to practice patience, avoid punitive measures, and engage in open communication with their children to better understand their concerns.
If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking help from a pediatrician or child psychologist is essential.
“Early professional intervention can provide the necessary support for managing behavioral changes and fostering mental well-being,” Dr. Rao concluded, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these signs for promoting recovery and balanced mental health.
