Children’s Screen Use and Why Balance Matters

CONNECTED CHILDHOOD Digital technology is now a part of everyday life in Kashmir. Children and teenagers use phones, tablets and computers to study, learn new skills, access information, communicate with family and friends, and use a wide range of digital resources. It has become an important part of homes, schools and everyday life across the Valley, and children are growing up in a world where digital devices are a normal part of daily life. Screens help children study, learn new skills, stay connected with family and friends, and find information quickly. They also allow students across Kashmir to attend online classes, prepare for examinations and explore educational resources from almost anywhere. However, they have also raised an important question for parents, teachers and health experts: Are children spending too much time on screens? Science suggests that the answer is not as simple as yes or no. Children today spend more time on digital devices than any previous generation. According to Common Sense Media, screen use rises steadily with age and increased sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic as education and daily life moved online. But experts say the number of hours alone does not tell the whole story. What children watch, why they use screens and what screen time replaces are equally important. Leading international organizations now emphasize not only how long children use screens but also how they use them. The World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) all stress the importance of healthy routines, balanced technology use and positive online experiences. The World Health Organization advises avoiding sedentary screen time for children younger than two years and limiting screen time for leisure to no more than one hour a day for children aged two to four. Scientists also say the early years are especially important because most brain development happens before the age of five. During this period, children learn best through conversation, play, reading and time with parents and caregivers. A major review published in the journal Children examined findings from 43 studies involving children and adolescents. It found that excessive screen time for leisure was linked with poor sleep, obesity, anxiety, depression, unhealthy eating habits, eye strain, lower physical activity, attention difficulties and lower academic performance. Importantly, the researchers stressed that more high-quality research is needed to better understand direct cause and effect. The research comes from some of the world’s leading universities and research centres. The 2025 meta-analysis published in Psychological Bulletin involved researchers from institutions including the University of Queensland, Australian Catholic University, the University of Helsinki, the University of Otago and La Trobe University. Their findings suggest that the relationship between screen use and children’s wellbeing is complex rather than one-dimensional, with family life, sleep, physical activity and emotional health all playing important roles. Other leading institutions have reached similar conclusions. Researchers at Stanford University, the University of Oxford, Bath Spa University and the American Psychological Association say the quality of screen use, family support and healthy routines often matter more than simply counting hours. They also note that many studies rely on self-reported screen time, making it difficult to establish direct cause and effect. Technology has opened new opportunities for students across the Valley. Children can attend online classes, prepare for examinations, access digital libraries and explore educational resources. Smartphones have become important tools for learning and communication. However, parents and teachers across Kashmir often notice changes in children’s daily routines. Some children spend less time playing outdoors. Some remain awake late using digital devices, making it more difficult to wake up on time, stay active and concentrate during school hours. These concerns deserve attention, but they should be addressed with balance rather than fear. Experts now encourage families to ask simple questions. Is screen time replacing sleep? Is it reducing physical activity? Is it affecting studies or family time? Does it leave children feeling stressed or unhappy? Or is it helping them learn, create and communicate? The quality of screen time often matters more than the number of hours. Watching an educational programme with parents, attending an online class or learning a new skill are meaningful uses of technology. This is very different from spending long hours scrolling without a clear purpose. Parents can also help children build healthy habits. Family meals can be a time for conversation instead of phones. Bedrooms should remain free from screens at night, while reading, storytelling and outdoor play should remain part of childhood. Children also need to learn how to use technology wisely by checking information carefully, protecting personal information, staying safe online and using digital tools responsibly. Schools across Jammu and Kashmir can support this by teaching online safety, responsible use of technology and critical thinking. Around the world, Australia and the United Kingdom have introduced measures to strengthen children’s online safety. Across the country, states including Karnataka and Delhi have also issued guidance to schools and families on healthy technology use and online safety. Together, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to helping children benefit from technology while supporting their overall wellbeing and development. Kashmir has always valued education, strong family relationships and community life. These values provide a strong foundation for helping children develop healthy technology habits while making the most of the opportunities that technology offers. Technology is now part of modern life. The goal is not to keep children away from screens completely but to ensure that technology supports learning and growth without replacing sleep, play, exercise, family time and real-life friendships. The children of Kashmir deserve the best of both worlds. They should grow up confident in using technology for learning and opportunity while also enjoying the simple experiences that make childhood special, playing outdoors, reading books, sharing meals with family and spending time with the people who matter most. A healthy childhood is not defined by the absence of screens, but by the presence of balance. When used wisely, technology can support learning, communication and opportunity while leaving enough room for play, family, friendships and the everyday experiences that help children grow. (The Author writes on technology and digital wellbeing. Feedback: bakshisuhaib094@gmail.com )

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