By Dr. Shelina Bhamani and Bianca Jiwa
“Screens do not babysit — they rewire the brain.”

In today’s world, screens have become second nature — not as a support tool but as an almost automatic response to a child’s restlessness. This dependency is reshaping the way children develop, learn, and even interact with the world around them. Once seen as a supplementary educational tool, screens are now shaping children’s eating, sleeping, emotional regulation, and brain development in profound — and often harmful — ways.

When Screens Replace Parenting

Many caregivers now rely on digital devices to manage everyday situations: feeding a child, calming tantrums, distracting during travel, or even replacing outdoor play. These choices, often made out of convenience, are not without consequences.

Research shows that over 50% of children in urban areas are exposed to screens during meals. This practice is closely linked to mental health issues, antisocial behavior, poor immunity, obesity, vision problems, and impaired concentration. As screen use rises, we’re seeing a clear disruption in children’s natural growth processes — physically, emotionally, and cognitively.

How Screens Rewire the Brain

Young brains are especially vulnerable to screen-related radiation and passive digital activities. Unlike adults, children absorb more radiation, which can interfere with neural development, including the formation of myelin (which insulates nerve fibers) and the division of neural stem cells. Over time, this can slow brain signal transmission and damage the very architecture of the brain.

Prolonged screen time has been shown to hinder executive functioning — the set of mental skills responsible for focus, memory, flexibility, and impulse control. When these functions are compromised, children may struggle with learning, social behavior, and emotional regulation.

The Eyes Are Suffering Too

Eyes are on the front line of screen exposure. Children blink less during screen use, which causes dry eyes, irritation, and fatigue. Sustained focus on screens, especially when held at adult eye level, increases ocular strain. This is especially damaging during early childhood, when visual development is most critical.

Additionally, the sedentary lifestyle encouraged by excessive screen time contributes to childhood obesity, often driven by physical inactivity and mindless snacking in front of screens.

Emotional and Social Damage

Excessive screen use doesn’t just harm the body — it affects behavior and emotional well-being too. Children are showing increasing signs of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, hyperactivity, and aggression. Isolation from peers and reduced real-world interaction are also causing a decline in interpersonal skills and a rise in social alienation.

Screens as Digital Pacifiers — A Growing Problem

While technology has helped foster creativity and access to knowledge, it’s now becoming a crutch — especially in parenting. The growing trend of using screens as “digital nannies” is unnatural and unhealthy.

But there is a way forward.

What Can Be Done?

For Parents:

• Accept that complete screen elimination isn’t realistic, but mindful use is essential.
• Create screen-free zones: bedrooms, dining tables, and family time areas.
• Encourage outdoor play, physical activity, and face-to-face conversation.
• Monitor digital content and schedule routine health checkups for vision, behavior, and development.
• Resist the urge to hand over a device when your child is upset — children must learn to manage emotions without digital aid.

For Schools:

• Educate both students and parents on healthy tech habits.
• Train teachers to identify signs of digital overuse and respond appropriately.
• Balance digital learning with outdoor activities and encourage offline play.
• Collaborate with app developers to ensure educational content is age-appropriate and beneficial.
• Establish clear digital usage policies within school communities.

For Policymakers:

• Implement laws and standards that protect children from harmful digital content.
• Fund and promote digital literacy programs.
• Build child-centered urban spaces with parks, walkways, and recreational facilities.
• Enforce ethical advertising and child-protection regulations in digital media.

In Conclusion:
We are not just dealing with an overuse of screens — we are witnessing a shift in childhood itself. Digital devices are not neutral; they shape development, behaviors, and relationships. To protect the next generation, we must act now — not by banning technology, but by guiding its use with intention, awareness, and care.

Disclaimer: Dr. Shelina Bhamani is a faculty member at Aga Khan University and leads the ECD PREP initiative. Bianca Jiwa is a medical student at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. The views expressed are personal and do not represent any institutional affiliations.