Surging screen time harms Nepali children’s development, say experts

By Hyacinth Estrada

Nepali health experts are becoming increasingly alarmed as children spend more time attached to their phones than ever before, with many warning that phone addiction is now a major behavioural and public health issue.

“Behavioural addictions, such as mobile phone addiction, share similar traits [with substance abuse], including a rewarding experience, loss of control, and negative consequences,” Dr Pawan Sharma, a consultant psychiatrist at Patan Hospital, told Nepali news outlet The Himalayan Times in an interview.

“Phone addiction can start as early as ages two to three, often when parents use screens to calm children. By ages eight to ten, many spend hours daily on screens, affecting their health, learning and behaviour.”

Easy access to smartphones

In particular, Dr Sharma noted that a growing number of children under 13 are showing signs of mobile addiction.

The issue has been made worse by the easy access to smartphones and mobile data, with many parents acknowledging that they give their kids gadgets for convenience, especially in metropolitan homes.

Dr Sharma said that at least two new cases involving internet addiction among children are seen at Patan Hospital every day.

In one recent instance, a 14-year-old stopped going to school, became aggressive when the internet was cut off, and played mobile games for up to 14 hours every day.

Only after therapy, medication, and phone use under supervision did the child get better.

“Excessive screen time can lead to a range of effects in children,” said the psychiatrist.

“This includes poor attention in class, disrupted sleep, irritability, weight gain, social withdrawal, eye strain, and unhealthy eating habits.”

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Dangerous long-term side effects

Health experts warn of deeper, long-term effects, including poor emotional regulation, weakened family bonds, and an increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts.

The World Health Organisation advises children under the age of two to spend no time on screens and children between the ages of two and four to spend no more than an hour a day under supervision.

For older children, screens should never replace physical play, sleep, or face-to-face interaction.

Despite growing concerns, Nepal lacks a national policy to control children’s screen use.

While some schools offer counselling, outreach remains inconsistent.

“Children need real connection, not just Wi-Fi,” said Dr Sharma, urging parents to increase offline activities for their children, such as outdoor games, reading, or music.

“Talk to your child to understand their screen use; it may reflect boredom or stress. Seek professional help if it is out of control.”

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