Mangaluru: A student from Dakshina Kannada, enrolled in PU College, was referred to the Child Welfare Committee due to excessive use of his cellphone, primarily for watching a Korean series. This behavior had led to neglect of his academic and personal responsibilities.
According to experts such as child psychiatrists and counsellors, an increasing number of minors under 18 are seeking assistance for issues stemming from excessive screen time or addiction. This trend is linked to various factors, including mental health challenges and family dynamics.
Renny D’Souza, chairman of the Child Welfare Committee in Dakshina Kannada, disclosed that the student’s cellphone use was pervasive, extending from morning until bedtime, indicating a problematic pattern. The student has since been placed in a rehabilitation center and is reportedly making progress. It has also been revealed that the student faces familial challenges, with separated parents and a mother working abroad, contributing to his upbringing in different environments.
Dr. Avinash Kamath, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist from KMC Hospital, Mangaluru, and Anirvedha Resource Center for Psychological Well Being, defines screen addiction as the excessive use of gadgets like phones and tablets for non-academic purposes exceeding 6-7 hours daily. He notes a significant rise in such cases post-Covid, often linked to issues like anxiety and depression. Symptoms may include withdrawal from social and academic activities.
However, Dr. Kamath distinguishes between excessive screen use and healthy digital engagement for educational or social purposes. He highlights that individuals with underlying psychological conditions may turn to screens as a coping mechanism, necessitating a combination of counseling and medication for treatment.
A PU College counsellor noted that parents are now more aware of screen addiction and monitor their children’s gadget usage. However, they allow more screen time for students preparing for competitive entrance exams like JEE/NEET.