The problem of children's dependence on mobile phones is growing. In schools in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Hathim, an activity was conducted aimed at explaining the harm of excessive gadget use to children. However, the method proved so frightening that many children began to cry.
This incident occurred at Adarsh India Montessori School in Hathim, Udham Singh Nagar district. The school was trying to raise children's awareness about the dangers of mobile phones, games, and prolonged screen time. According to reports, as part of the activity, one child was covered with a red blindfold, creating the impression of bleeding from the eyes. The children were told that this child had lost their sight due to excessive phone use. Hearing this, the children panicked and started crying, expressing a desire to give up using mobile phones.
Following this incident, the Department of Education ordered an investigation into the circumstances of the case. Experts note that such methods are not effective in combating phone addiction, but the growing dependence of children on gadgets poses a serious threat.
A study published in the journal Indian Pediatrics in 2025 analyzed the time spent by children aged 3 to 14 over three months. The average screen time for children was about 2.62 hours per day, which significantly exceeds established norms. Of particular concern is that due to excessive phone use, children are becoming victims of virtual autism.
Younger children, especially those under five, show symptoms similar to autism due to intensive phone use. Although this is not a separate medical term, it has been named virtual autism. Dr. Vipinchandra Upadhyay from the pediatric department of Ghaziabad district hospital notes that excessive phone use leads to the child not maintaining eye contact during conversation or when looking at the interlocutor, and also exhibits strange behavior characteristic of phone use. This problem has intensified over the last four or five years, and its prevention is extremely important.
For prevention, it is recommended not to give phones to children, as they are unnecessary for children under five. It is also important to communicate regularly with children, take them out for walks, and seek treatment if any signs of a problem appear.
