Doctors in Lucknow Sound Alarm on 'Virtual Autism' from Excessive Screen Time in Young Children
In Lucknow, a concerning trend is emerging as doctors report a sharp increase in cases of what they term 'virtual autism' among children aged one to five years. This phenomenon is linked to parents increasingly relying on mobile phones, tablets, and televisions as digital babysitters, with children exposed to screens for four or more hours daily showing significant developmental delays.
Rising Cases in Clinics Highlight Developmental Risks
Clinics across the city are witnessing more young patients who speak less, avoid eye contact, and struggle to focus, directly correlating with prolonged screen exposure. Dr Adarsh Tripathi, a former faculty member in the psychiatry department at King George's Medical University (KGMU) who now runs a private clinic, shared a poignant case of a five-and-a-half-year-old child. The child spoke very little and had frequent tantrums, with both parents working long hours and a caretaker managing the routine, leading to minimal adult interaction. The child spent six to eight hours daily in front of screens, resulting in severe language development delays, disturbed sleep, and frequent irritability.
"The child's world had quietly shrunk to a screen," Dr Tripathi remarked. After doctors advised eliminating screen exposure and boosting direct interaction, the mother took leave from work to engage in talking, playing, and park visits with the child. Within three to six months, communication and behavior improved significantly, underscoring how reduced human interaction in early childhood can slow development.
Experts Note Alarming Increase in Screen-Related Issues
Prof Vivek Agrawal, head of the psychiatry department at KGMU, emphasized that such cases are now appearing more frequently. "Three to four years ago, we would see one or two such cases occasionally. Now, five to six children with similar complaints are coming regularly to the OPD," he stated. Doctors explain that early years are critical for brain development, as children learn primarily through interaction—watching faces, listening to voices, and responding to people. When screens dominate, this natural learning process is disrupted.
Developmental psychologist Pragya Verma pointed out that the surge in screen exposure accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic. With schools, parks, and daycare centers closed, and many parents working from home, children spent more time indoors with limited social interaction. Phones and tablets became an easy tool to keep children engaged while parents managed responsibilities. "The pandemic quietly normalized screens as a daily tool for managing children," Verma said. "What began as a temporary arrangement during lockdowns continued even after restrictions were lifted." Prolonged exposure during early developmental years interferes with communication, emotion regulation, and social skills, giving rise to these cases.
Critical Developmental Years and Long-Term Impacts
Paediatrician Dr Nishant Verma highlighted that the first five years of life are crucial for learning, with the brain developing fastest during this period. Children learn language, emotions, and behavior by observing parents and interacting with others, an environment screens cannot replicate. Delayed speech is among the most common problems observed. Prof Pawan Kumar Gupta, a faculty member in the psychiatry department at KGMU, added that children exposed to long hours of videos often hear fewer real conversations, further hindering language acquisition.
Doctors urge parents to prioritize direct interaction and limit screen time to mitigate these risks, emphasizing that early intervention can lead to significant improvements in child development and well-being.
