'Noticeable' rise in UAE children suffering issues linked to excessive screen time
Doctors in the UAE are reporting a growing number of children suffering from issues such as difficulty sleeping and concentrating that are linked to excessive screen time, prompting warnings that restrictions on phone use in schools are not enough to protect young people. Dr Sudha Rao, a specialist in paediatrics at Aster Clinic in Al Jaddaf, told The National she had seen a noticeable increase…
A growing number of UAE children are experiencing sleep disruptions, poor concentration, and other issues linked to excessive screen time, according to doctors in the country. Dr Sudha Rao, a paediatric specialist at Aster Clinic in Al Jaddaf, has observed a significant increase in children presenting with sleep problems, eye health issues, and behavioral concerns such as digital tantrums.
Research from Saudi Arabia and Oman indicates that children spending more than four hours a day on screens are three times more likely to have difficulty falling asleep compared to those using screens for less than an hour. Health and education experts are urging parents to limit screen time, particularly before bedtime, and keep devices out of bedrooms.
Studies suggest that children with less than two hours of recreational screen time a day perform better in attention and memory tasks than those with longer screen time. Teachers and school leaders are noticing that pupils are displaying signs of tiredness, difficulties concentrating, and problems managing frustration. Experts recommend establishing consistent routines, keeping devices out of bedrooms, and protecting family time to help children develop healthy screen habits and promote their overall development.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
