Psychiatric Society Warns: Reels May Weaken Children’s Focus, Parents Urged to Pay Attention
August 23: The growing habit of watching short-form videos and constantly fast-scrolling on smartphones may affect children’s concentration, memory and ability to think and process information, health experts have warned.
According to psychiatric experts, prolonged dependence on screens and rapidly changing digital content can make it difficult for children to stay focused on a single task. The impact may be noticed in activities such as studying, reading books, having conversations and remaining engaged in one activity for longer periods.
Fast Scrolling May Affect Concentration
Experts say that continuous screen dependence and the habit of quickly moving from one piece of content to another may affect children’s attention span, memory and ability to concentrate.
Children who regularly consume short and rapidly changing videos may also find it harder to maintain focus during slower-paced activities such as reading or studying.
What Is ‘Digital Dementia’?
Dr Pramod said digital dementia is not an officially recognised medical disease. It is not the same as traditional dementia or Alzheimer’s disease and is not an official medical diagnosis.
The term is being used to describe certain symptoms associated with excessive dependence on digital devices, including reduced concentration and memory-related difficulties.
Experts stress that the term should therefore be understood as a way of describing symptoms linked to excessive digital use rather than as the name of a recognised disease.
Balance Is More Important Than Simply Banning Phones
Experts have advised parents to keep an eye on how much time children spend on screens and what they consume online.
They have particularly recommended reducing mobile phone use during meals, before studying and before bedtime. Families can also set aside screen-free periods during the day to encourage children to disconnect from devices.
Children should be encouraged to spend more time playing, reading books and interacting with family members and friends.
Parents Have an Important Role
Parents should pay attention to both the duration and nature of their children’s screen use. Creating screen-free family time and encouraging offline activities can help establish healthier digital habits.
The key message from experts is not that mobile phones and digital content must be completely avoided. Rather, excessive and continuous screen use should be balanced with physical activity, reading, social interaction and other offline experiences.
