Problem Solution Essay
Dangers of Excessive screen time among children
Rabia Asad (4144-BS-ENG-23)
In today’s digital world, children are spending a great deal of time in front of screens,
whether it's smartphones, tablets, computers, or televisions. While these devices provide both
entertainment and educational opportunities, excessive screen use has serious effects on children’s
health, development, and overall well-being. Addressing this issue requires finding a balance
between the benefits of technology and strategies to reduce its harmful impact.
Excessive screen time happens when children spend more time on digital devices than is
healthy. According to a 2022 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, children aged 8 to 12
spend an average of 4 to 6 hours per day on screens, while teenagers spend up to 9 hours. This
habit impacts physical and mental health. Physically, too much screen time can cause digital eye
strain, leading to blurred vision and headaches, while sitting for long hours increases the risk of
obesity. Mentally, social media use can lower self-esteem as children compare themselves to others
online. Gaming addiction also leads to isolation and disrupted sleep patterns, which harm
children’s emotional well-being. Understanding these risks is key to finding solutions.
Today, almost every child is glued to a screen for hours daily. Whether it's watching
cartoons, playing games, or scrolling social media, screen time has become a regular part of their
routines. Children often prefer digital entertainment over outdoor play or creative hobbies, which
can lead to unhealthy habits. This widespread dependence on screens highlights the urgent need to
address the issue.
Solving this problem requires trying different strategies, though each comes with its
challenges. For example, parents can set screen time limits and encourage kids to try other
activities, but keeping children away from screens can be difficult, especially when adults
themselves struggle with screen overuse. Schools can encourage more physical and social
activities, but their increasing reliance on digital tools for teaching can make it harder to reduce
screen time. Technology companies can introduce parental controls, but their business interests
often limit how much they prioritize these features. Despite these difficulties, making consistent
efforts can help reduce the harm caused by excessive screen time.
While technology is an essential part of life today, excessive screen time among children
poses serious risks to their physical, mental, and social health. By combining efforts from parents,
schools, and technology companies, we can help children reduce their screen time and find
healthier activities. Small changes like setting screen-free zones, encouraging outdoor play, and
teaching digital responsibility can make a big difference. With a balanced approach, children can
enjoy the benefits of technology while avoiding its negative effects, leading to a healthier and
happier life.
Essay Portfolio
Submitted by: Rabia Asad
Roll No: 4144-BS-ENG-23
Department: English Literature
Submitted to: Mr. Muhammad Ali
Government College University, Lahore.
