Screen time limit

Parents are concerned about the dependence of their children on the screen, keeping in mind the difficulty of eye contact and meaningful interaction. , Photo Credit: Getty Images

In today’s digital age, smartphones have become an integral part of life, which change family communication, especially among teenagers. With India’s teenage population reaching 253 million, it is important to shape social mobility, understanding how digital media affects their relationships.

Today’s teenagers are the first generation to be completely immersed in digital technology. Data made from my research sample suggests that 86% of Indian teenagers have smartphones, which cost more than 30% online per day. Platforms like Instagram and social media dominate, 72% of teenagers are allegedly accustomed to social media. While digital media enables connectivity, it presents challenges. Although 81% of teenagers use social media to stay connected with friends, only 61% communicate with family members regularly. This dependence on virtual interaction has led to a decline in face-to-face communication, which weakens family bonds and increases concerns about emotional disconnects.

Excessive screen time affects the physical and mental health of adolescents. Sleep disruption is common, focus, academic performance and emotional stability. Motionless lifestyle contributes to obesity and related health issues. Emotionally, social media curated content promotes anxiety, depression and low self -esteem, as teenagers compare themselves with an ideal online personality. The conversation of the teenagers decreases further because the teenagers get engrossed in their digital world. Parents find it difficult to attach them to them meaningfully, causing emotional intervals within families. While digital media provides benefits such as learning opportunities and social risk, its overweight can obstruct healthy growth if not managed properly.

Parents are concerned about the dependence of their children on the screen, keeping in mind the difficulty of eye contact and meaningful interaction. Family time is often sacrificed for digital entertainment, causing a division between virtual and real -life relationships. Many teenagers find online interactions more attractive than face-to-face interactions, family bonds stressful and complex the efforts to re-connect. Digital media is not naturally harmful. When used responsibly, it can increase learning and social connectivity.

Including digital literacy in the course, students can be educated about the advantages and risk of technology. Excessive use can be prevented by combining traditional teaching with controlled digital exposure. Awareness programs for students and parents further enhance knowledge intervals. Encouraging offline activities such as sports, art and face-to-face communication helps to balance digital engagement.

It is a necessary strategy to apply technical areas in classes and collaborate with mental health experts to address digital addiction.

The National Education Policy (NEP) of India is a combination of hybrid learning, online and offline education in 2020. Although it provides flexibility, it increases the screen time, potentially intensifies issues such as eye stress, inactivity and digital dependence. Virtual classes reduce opportunities for in-period family interactions, leading to further emotional disturbances.

To reduce these effects, schools and families must work together, establish routines that balance online learning with offline activities such as outdoor sports, family time and projects on hands.

Coordinated efforts are required to address the impact of digital media on family communication: Parents must set limits on screen time through digital curfew. They should engage in co-visible and shared activities, and promote open interactions about the use of responsible media, and model healthy digital habits. Adolescents must practice self-regulations to control screen time, to develop social skills, offline hobbies and to engage in extra curricular, should give priority to face-to-face interactions and educate themselves about the benefits and risks of digital media.

Policy makers should implement rules on age-appropriate materials, start awareness campaign on psychological effects of digital overweight, and technical companies should encourage to include health-promoting features, and digital welfare education should integrate in school programs.

As it continues to reopen digital media communication, it is important to get a balance between virtual and real -world interaction. Cooperation between families, teachers and policy makers can promote responsible digital use, ensuring that technology increases human connections rather than haemors. Mindful with digital media can preserve the irreparable value of face-related relationships using the benefits of technology.