KARIMNAGAR, SEPTEMBER 15, 2026: Excessive screen time among children has emerged as a growing health concern, with doctors, mental health experts, parents and teachers raising concerns about the increasing dependence of youngsters on smartphones, tablets, computers and television screens.
At an awareness campaign conducted at Alphores Adhya campus in Karimnagar town on Tuesday, eminent physician Dr DC Tirupati Rao, retired principal Burra Madhusudhan Reddy, Alphores Educational Institutions chairman V Narender Reddy and spoke.
Dr Tirupati Rao said that children today are spending several hours a day on digital devices for both education and entertainment. While technology has become an important part of education, he had warned that prolonged screen exposure can have adverse effects on physical and mental health.
Stating that excessive screen time is contributing to reduced physical activity, poor posture, obesity, disturbed sleep patterns and eye-related problems among children, he said many youngsters complain of headaches, eye strain and difficulty in concentrating after spending long hours on screens. He also said that the children were suffering from obesity due to consumption of junk and packaged food. He advised the parents to provide homemade food to the children.
Retired principal Madhusudhan Reddy said, “Children who spend most of their free time online often miss opportunities to interact with family members and peers, which are essential for developing communication and social skills.”
Parents, too, acknowledge that keeping children away from screens has become increasingly difficult, he added. Teachers have also observed a noticeable change in students’ lifestyles. “Children are becoming less interested in outdoor sports and physical activities. Many prefer spending their leisure time on mobile phones and tablets,” he stated.
He recommended that parents set reasonable limits on screen usage and encourage children to participate in sports, hobbies and family activities. They also advise ensuring screen-free time before bedtime to improve sleep quality.
Alphores Educational Institutions chairman V Narender Reddy said that technology itself is not harmful when used responsibly. However, he cautioned that maintaining a healthy balance between digital engagement and physical activity is crucial for the overall growth and development of children.
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