Nisha Pandey

Health and Me

Excessive Screen Time & Mental Health: Expert Urges Parents To Limit Children's Screen Time At Times Health Summit 2026

At the Times Network India Health Summit 2026, Dr. Deepak Kumar, Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (<span>IHBAS</span>) said that suicidal thoughts should be treated as a medical emergency requiring immediate professional help, just as in cardiac emergencies.

He said, “A death wish is usually a cry for help. Just as we provide immediate medical care during cardiac emergencies, suicide risk also requires urgent medical attention.”

Speaking during a session titled “The Next Frontier in Indian Psychiatry: Specialization, <span>Geriatric Mental Health</span>, and De-addiction Strategies”, Dr. Kumar discussed the importance of recognising early warning signs and monitoring screen time in children to prevent serious <span>mental health</span> disorders. 

Dr. Kumar stressed that suicidal thoughts or a wish to die should never be treated casually as they could be silent cries for help.

"It is a very good thing to give space to mind and mental health in a health conclave. If we look at the numbers in our country, the total proportion is alarming. For example, the national mental health survey shows a lifetime prevalence of 13.7%. One in every 5 people has some psychological issue. <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/adhd-linked-to-71-higher-risk-of-death-suicide-and-injuries-among-top-concerns-article-156375921" data-type="tilCustomLink">Suicide</a> statistics show 12 per lakh. Top 3 causes of death in young adults - one of them is suicide."

<h2><span rel="noindex">Excessive Screen Time</span> Can Affect Children's Mental Health</h2>

While discussing smartphones and social media, Dr. Kumar said excessive screen use can interfere with daily functioning as one could be hooked on instant dopamine hit.

He spoke about gaming addiction disorders and said that such problematic smartphone use and excessive screen exposure are forms of behavioural addiction.

He said, “I will not advocate a blanket ban on smartphones like in Australia as they can also support education and learning.”

He advocated for judicious use among children and more awareness among parents to prevent excessive screen exposure.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/childrens-mental-health-in-the-digital-age-can-governments-protect-them-without-restricting-internet-access-interview-article-156380264" data-type="tilCustomLink">Children’s Mental Health In The Digital Age: Can Governments Protect Them Without Restricting Internet Access? | Interview</a>

<h2>Why Parents Should Set Screen-Time Limits</h2>

Dr. Kumar expressed concern about parents giving smartphones to very young children. He also recommended avoiding screen time for children under two and limiting use among older children.

He also said that Parents should pay attention to changes in children's sleep, mood, social interactions and everyday activities. He said looking out for signs like social withdrawal, distress or other behavioural changes should be priority.

<h2>Behavioural Changes Can Be Mental Health Concerns</h2>

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According to Dr. Kumar, psychiatric conditions are often identified through symptoms and changes in a person's thoughts, emotions and behaviour, rather than through blood tests or imaging alone.

Diagnosis depends on the nature, duration and severity of symptoms, as well as their effect on everyday functioning, relationships and family or social life.

A sudden change in behaviour can be a warning sign. Someone who is usually cheerful, for instance, may become withdrawn, gloomy or reluctant to leave their room. Constant mood changes, behavioural outbursts and changes associated with substance use may also warrant attention.

Physical conditions can affect mental well-being, too. Dr. Kumar cited thyroid disorders and diabetes as examples of conditions that may be associated with <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/new-depression-subtype-identified-in-1-in-4-patients-how-symptoms-and-treatment-differ-article-156380758" data-type="tilCustomLink">depression</a> or anxiety.

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At the Times Network India Health Summit 2026, Dr. Deepak Kumar, Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) said that suicidal thoughts should be treated as a medical emergency requiring immediate professional help, just as in cardiac emergencies. He said, “A death wish is usually a cry for help. Just as we provide immediate medical care during cardiac emergencies, suicide risk also requires urgent medical attention.”Speaking during a session titled “The Next Frontier in Indian Psychiatry: Specialization, Geriatric Mental Health, and De-addiction Strategies”, Dr. Kumar discussed the importance of recognising early warning signs and monitoring screen time in children to prevent serious mental health disorders. Dr. Kumar stressed that suicidal thoughts or a wish to die should never be treated casually as they could be silent cries for help."It is a very good thing to give space to mind and mental health in a health conclave. If we look at the numbers in our country, the total proportion is alarming. For example, the national mental health survey shows a lifetime prevalence of 13.7%. One in every 5 people has some psychological issue. Suicide statistics show 12 per lakh. Top 3 causes of death in young adults - one of them is suicide."Excessive Screen Time Can Affect Children's Mental HealthWhile discussing smartphones and social media, Dr. Kumar said excessive screen use can interfere with daily functioning as one could be hooked on instant dopamine hit. He spoke about gaming addiction disorders and said that such problematic smartphone use and excessive screen exposure are forms of behavioural addiction. He said, “I will not advocate a blanket ban on smartphones like in Australia as they can also support education and learning.”He advocated for judicious use among children and more awareness among parents to prevent excessive screen exposure.Also read: Children’s Mental Health In The Digital Age: Can Governments Protect Them Without Restricting Internet Access? | InterviewWhy Parents Should Set Screen-Time LimitsDr. Kumar expressed concern about parents giving smartphones to very young children. He also recommended avoiding screen time for children under two and limiting use among older children.He also said that Parents should pay attention to changes in children's sleep, mood, social interactions and everyday activities. He said looking out for signs like social withdrawal, distress or other behavioural changes should be priority. Behavioural Changes Can Be Mental Health Concerns      According to Dr. Kumar, psychiatric conditions are often identified through symptoms and changes in a person's thoughts, emotions and behaviour, rather than through blood tests or imaging alone.Diagnosis depends on the nature, duration and severity of symptoms, as well as their effect on everyday functioning, relationships and family or social life.A sudden change in behaviour can be a warning sign. Someone who is usually cheerful, for instance, may become withdrawn, gloomy or reluctant to leave their room. Constant mood changes, behavioural outbursts and changes associated with substance use may also warrant attention.Physical conditions can affect mental well-being, too. Dr. Kumar cited thyroid disorders and diabetes as examples of conditions that may be associated with depression or anxiety.

excessive screen time & mental health: expert urges parents to limit children's screen time at times health summit 2026

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