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Bengaluru, June 1, 2025 — In an era where digital devices are as ubiquitous as toys, Indian parents are grappling with a crucial question: how much screen time is too much for their children? Recent guidelines from the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) have reignited this debate, urging parents to adopt a more mindful approach to digital exposure, especially for children under the age of two.
Zero Screen Time for Under-Twos
The IAP’s latest recommendations are clear: children under two should have no screen time at all. This echoes the growing consensus among child development experts that direct human interaction is irreplaceable during these formative years.
Divya Kevin, a software entrepreneur and new mother, embodies this philosophy. “We don’t expose her to screens at all,” she says of her daughter, who is not yet two. “If we want to watch something, we wait until she’s asleep.” For Divya, this deliberate approach is about more than following rules—it’s about giving her child the best start in life.
The Hidden Costs of Convenience
Child psychologist Dr Sonika Divit, whose research focuses on the cognitive and social development of preschool-aged children in urban Indian families, warns of the dangers of excessive screen time. “By age six, 99% of the brain is developed,” she explains. “Constant digital stimulation during this window can disrupt neural connections, leading to developmental delays.”
Dr Divit’s research has found that too much screen time is linked to shorter attention spans, delayed language skills, and weakened social abilities. Children with high screen exposure also tend to have higher BMI levels, less physical activity, and show signs of emotional dysregulation.
Modeling Healthy Digital Habits
One of the most powerful influences on a child’s relationship with screens is parental behavior. “Children mirror parental behaviour,” Dr Divit notes. She encourages parents to create screen-free zones and model healthy digital habits themselves.
For working parents, setting up a dedicated workspace that is off-limits to children can help establish boundaries and reduce the temptation for both parent and child to reach for a device.
Breaking the Cycle
When screen addiction becomes a concern, Dr Divit recommends keeping devices out of sight, encouraging alternative activities like outdoor play or reading, and enlisting friends and family to communicate via messages rather than calls when children are present.
Divya Kevin has found that motherhood has prompted her to reevaluate her own digital habits. “I’ve consciously stepped away from social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube,” she shares. She now limits her own screen time to purposeful activities and plans to introduce her daughter to screens only in a controlled, educational context after age two.
Mindful Introduction to Technology
Both experts agree that the goal is not to reject technology but to use it mindfully. When screens are introduced, co-viewing content and choosing realistic, age-appropriate material is key. “Shared viewing encourages dialogue, curiosity, and learning,” says Dr Divit.
Divya also plans to teach her daughter about digital privacy, consent, and online behavior as she grows older, using tools like YouTube Kids and parental controls to ensure a safe digital environment.
The Takeaway
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the message from experts is clear: young children do not need screens to thrive. What they need most is meaningful interaction, attention, and presence from their caregivers. By modeling healthy habits and setting thoughtful boundaries, parents can help their children navigate the digital world safely and successfully.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on expert opinions and research findings as reported by EdexLive on May 31, 2025. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical or psychological advice. For specific concerns regarding your child’s screen time or development, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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