{
  "id": 15098665,
  "title": "'Noticeable' rise in UAE children suffering issues linked to excessive screen time",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/noticeable-rise-in-uae-children-suffering-issues-linked-to-excessive",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T02:00:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/10/17/noticeable-rise-in-uae-children-suffering-issues-linked-to-excessive-screen-time/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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…",
  "key_points": [
    "UAE children face sleep disruptions, poor concentration due to excessive screen time.",
    "Research shows children over 4 hours daily on screens have 3x higher sleep difficulty.",
    "Experts advise limiting screen time, especially before bedtime, to promote healthy habits."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "'Noticeable' rise in UAE children suffering issues linked to excessive screen time",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/noticeable-rise-in-uae-children-suffering-issues-linked-to-excessive-15099258",
        "published": "2026-10-17T02:00:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}