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Digital Addiction During Adolescence and in Children: A Challenge for Indian Parents.

  • drdeepakchaturvedi
  • Apr 11
  • 4 min read

Are you worried about your teenager's growing obsession with screens? As a parent, you might have noticed your adolescent glued to their phone or tablet, scrolling through social media or playing video games for hours on end. Adolescence is a critical phase of growth and development, and excessive screen time during this period can have profound effects. Have you ever tried to take that screen away, only to be met with a storm of emotions? You’re not alone in this struggle. As progressive Indian parents, most of us are navigating the tricky waters of parenting in a digital age, and it can feel very challenging to deal with this silent epidemic of digital addiction that’s affecting our children’s health, education, and social skills. Let’s discuss why this is happening, how it impacts our kids, and what we can do to reclaim their offline lives


A boy is scrolling on a phone.

What is Digital Addiction?

Digital addiction refers to excessive and uncontrolled use of screens—whether through social media scrolling, video gaming, or consuming inappropriate online content. It’s a trap that many adolescents fall into due to easy access to devices and a lack of structured guidance. 


The Reality We Face

Let’s face it: there’s a big issue in our homes that we all know about but often avoid discussing. This “white elephant” is the growing addiction to screens that is affecting our children right before our eyes. It’s frustrating and sometimes heartbreaking to see them so absorbed in their devices while we feel powerless against this digital pull.

In India, many children under 16 are caught in a silent epidemic of digital addiction. This isn’t just a minor concern; it has serious implications for their health, education, and overall well-being. Here are some key points to consider:


Why Are Indian Adolescents and Children Vulnerable?

  1. Easy Access to Mobile Digital Devices: A staggering 65% of Indian adolescents have smartphones, and nearly all of them use technology daily.

  2. Parental Oversight Gaps: Only about one-third of parents keep an eye on their kids' screen time, leaving many children with unrestricted access.

  3. Social Media Algorithm Traps: Platforms are designed to keep users engaged, often leading young people into endless scrolling and content creation that isn’t always appropriate.

  4. Post-Pandemic Educational Norms: After the pandemic, schools have relied heavily on online learning, normalizing long hours in front of screens.

  5. Limited Outdoor Play: With urbanization reducing safe play areas, many kids turn to indoor activities that involve screens.  


Unchecked Screen Time Impact on Adolescents & Children

The consequences of unchecked screen time can be severe:

  • Health Issues: Excessive screen use can lead to cognitive delays in young children and has been linked to rising rates of depression, linked to cyberbullying, and emotional instability among adolescents.

  • Physical Health Decline: A sedentary lifestyle fueled by screens contributes to childhood obesity, making our children and adolescents prone to diabetes and related health problems.

  • Educational Challenges: Many teachers report that students are struggling with focus and retention due to too much screen time. With access to Artificial intelligence in school assignments, academic performance evaluation is difficult. This increased dependence on AI is also impacting the actual learning process.

  • Societal Impact: Tech-addicted youth may lack critical social skills, potentially costing India billions in lost productivity by 2030


What Can We Do Together?

As parents, we have the power to make changes that can help our children navigate this digital landscape more safely:

Family-Level Changes

  1. Set Clear Limits: Create tech-free zones at home (like during meals or in bedrooms) and establish daily “digital detox” times.

  2. Be a Role Model: Reduce your own screen time when around your children to set a positive example. 

School Initiatives

  1. Revise the Curriculum: Encourage schools to include more hands-on activities like sports and arts in their programs.

  2. Training for Teachers: Advocate for training that helps teachers recognize signs of digital addiction in students.

Community Efforts

  • Workshops and Events: Partner with local organizations to offer workshops on managing screen time and exploring offline hobbies.

  • Public Campaigns: Support initiatives that promote tech-free family and community events, like “National Analog Weeks.”

Government Support

  1. Stricter Regulations: Push for stricter enforcement of laws like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023 and advocate for age restrictions on social media platforms to limit access for those under 16, similar to South Korea’s “Cinderella Law.” 

  2. Healthcare Resources: Support the development of programs focused on early detection and counseling for digital addiction.


Moving Forward Together

The challenge of digital addiction in adolescents and children is real, but together, we can make a difference. By reclaiming offline spaces for our families, rebalancing school curricula, engaging with our communities, and advocating for better policies, we can help protect our children and adolescents from becoming lost in the digital world.

Remember, as experts suggest, starting small is key—unplugging together as a family for just one hour at a time can set the stage for healthier habits.  By working together, we can safeguard our children’s health and future from the grip of screens


Let’s take the first step today toward creating a healthier balance between technology and real-life connections for our kids


Dr. Deepak Chaturvedi, MD, Internal Medicine

Diabetes, Thyroid, Obesity & Hormones Consultant



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