Chennai families take steps to limit TV exposure in children

Chennai, July 3:

With television and digital screens becoming an inseparable part of daily life, parents and educators in Chennai are increasingly raising concerns about excessive screen time among children. From cartoons to streaming platforms and mobile devices, experts warn that prolonged exposure is beginning to impact both physical and mental well-being.

Paediatricians in the city note a steady rise in complaints related to poor sleep, reduced attention span, and lack of physical activity among children who spend long hours in front of screens. “We are seeing children as young as five showing symptoms of screen dependency. It affects their eyesight, posture, and even social behaviour,” said Dr. Meena Raghavan, a Chennai-based child specialist.

Educationists also highlight how excessive television viewing is affecting learning habits. “Children who spend more time on TV tend to lose focus in classrooms. Their ability to read, imagine, and engage creatively is declining,” observed S. Narayanan, a senior school principal in the city.

Parents, too, are beginning to take corrective steps. Lakshmi Subramanian, a mother of two from Anna Nagar, said, “We realised our kids were spending nearly four to five hours daily on TV. Now we have introduced a strict ‘no TV on weekdays’ rule and encourage outdoor play instead.”

Mental health professionals stress that reducing screen time does not mean eliminating entertainment altogether but balancing it with healthier alternatives. “Parents should actively engage children in hobbies like reading, sports, music, or art. The goal is not restriction, but redirection,” explained psychologist Dr. Kavitha Iyer.

Civic and child welfare groups in Chennai have also begun awareness campaigns encouraging families to adopt “screen-free hours” at home. Some schools have started initiatives where students track and reduce their daily screen usage as part of behavioural learning programmes.

Experts recommend that children should not exceed one to two hours of screen time per day, depending on their age. Simple measures such as keeping televisions out of bedrooms, setting fixed viewing schedules, and promoting family interaction can make a significant difference.

As Chennai continues to grow as a fast-paced urban hub, the challenge for parents lies in striking a balance between technology and healthy childhood habits. With growing awareness, many families are now choosing to switch off their screens—and reconnect with each other.