Does increased screen time affect your child’s development?

By Smridhi Grover, MOT

Increased screen time has resulted in a concerning phenomenon known as “virtual autism.”

This term refers to the observed symptoms in children, such as intensified mobile screen addiction, behavior tantrums, delayed speech development, restlessness, limited eye contact, and repetitive behavior, which mirror features of autism spectrum disorder.

Addressing this issue and providing early intervention is crucial to help these children overcome challenges and develop vital social communication skills.

The impact of lockdown on child development

During the lockdown period, many children spent prolonged hours glued to screens as parents juggled working from home and managing household tasks. This increased reliance on screens and using digital devices as a distraction or reward has had unintended consequences.