Pixel Prison

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A few moons ago, a jubilant news erupted in the animation kingdom, sending children into a tizzy of excitement. A certain cartoon character’s family welcomed a new member, and the fandom’s celebration knew no bounds. This positive reaction meant longevity of the franchise, renewed merchandising opportunities, new storylines, episodes, and increased screen time for children; a new pixel prison

Yes, children all over the world have a new ‘friend’ to watch during breakfast, lunch, dinner and break time, chronicling the shenanigans of this new character born into fame. While some parents heaved a sigh of relief over finding new content to keep their children occupied, a collective groan from the others reached higher decibels. 

The Numbers

A recent study in India threw light on the fact that 42% of children below the age of 12 spent about 4 hours glued to the screen, and urban parents reported that 46% above the age of 12 spent an extra three hours on social media, OTT and online games. 

But this isn’t just an urban phenomenon. The rural counterparts are not behind either. A survey conducted by a university in 40 villages highlighted a surprising fact; rural children are addicted to phones and screens as much as their urban peers. While 75% of children were hooked to mobile games, 81% of children refused to eat without a phone, but what’s alarming was how 66% of them chose mobiles over their mothers. 

Nomophobia

Short for ‘No Mobile Phobia’, nomophobia is a fear of being away from mobile phones, and is characterised by panic attacks, and a fear of missing out on the happenings of the virtual world. People who suffer from this phobia are constantly scrolling on social media, checking their phones for messages or notifications and of course, get overly anxious if their phone batteries go low or if they find themselves in a low network area. 

With plummeting physical activities and skyrocketing sedentary lifestyles, the attention span of children has already taken a hit, but the other effects seem disturbing at large. Let’s not leave the adults behind as well; we are equally susceptible to the side-effects of screen time. 

A constant consumption of reels and other video formats, informative or not, acts as an instant gratification, a dopamine hit which is equivalent to the dangerous effects caused by recreational substances. A sensory overload’s overstimulation leads to being overwhelmed, stressed, affecting sleep patterns and healthy routines. 

Children start dissociating with reality, impairing social and cognitive skills. Behavioural issues and reduced self-regulation causes anomalies in appropriate responses to their environment. 

A Solution?

Yes, there’s one! And it’s backed by research. A study conducted on a sample population, who slashed down their screen time for a week, revealed positive effects on their mental health. People who reported to have spent only 10 minutes per day on social media, as compared to 3 or 4 hours felt a sudden lightness as a result of the unclenching of the brain. They felt less anxious, more alert and focussed without adding any extra effort. Those who resumed their exercise throughout this period found a renewed sense of vigour, and also reported that they could get most tasks done on time without any procrastinations. 

It’s time we lead by example. Instead of blaming the pandemic or the rise of AI in schools, let’s take responsibility for our own screen habits — and show our children what healthy digital boundaries and a mindful future truly look like.