Specialists explained that frequent engagement with short-form digital content can reinforce such patterns.

Kids Spend 3–6 Hours on Screens Daily, Linked to Sleep and Behaviour Issues: Study

A growing dependence on mobile phones among children is raising fresh concerns about their mental and behavioural health, with a Jaipur-based study pointing to significant changes linked to prolonged screen exposure.

The research focused on 150 children in the 10–16 age group who visited the psychiatry centre at Sawai Man Singh Medical College and Hospital over a one-year period. Inputs from parents, along with direct observation, helped experts assess patterns in daily habits and behaviour.

The findings suggest that screen use has become deeply embedded in routine life. Nearly three out of four children were spending between three and six hours a day on mobile devices. This trend was associated with declining attention spans, as many children struggled to stay focused during studies or classroom activities.

Experts also noted that extended usage often affects sleep cycles, with several children reporting difficulty falling asleep after late-night screen time. Changes in behaviour, including irritability and reduced social interaction, were observed in a considerable number of cases.

In some instances, children showed signs of dependency, such as discomfort when separated from their devices or repeated checking of content without clear purpose. Specialists explained that frequent engagement with short-form digital content can reinforce such patterns.

The study underlined the importance of active parental involvement, recommending clear limits on screen time and encouraging children to engage in physical play, reading and other constructive activities to maintain overall well-being.