ASK Dr Devi Raj
Screen Time in Children:
10 Questions Parents Ask
"Ask Dr Devi Raj" - Knowledge Hub is a practical psychology knowledge library for parents, adolescents, adults and families looking for clear answers to common emotional, behavioural, developmental and parenting concerns.
Dr. Devi Raj is a Developmental Psychologist, Certified Life Coach and Child Behaviour Specialist with over 15 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families. At Pranaah Psychological Counselling Centre, she provides evidence-based psychological assessments, parenting guidance, developmental interventions, and emotional wellbeing services for families across Kollam, Karunagappally, Kerala, and through online consultations worldwide.
Disclaimer
This content is intended for general educational information and does not replace individual psychological assessment, diagnosis, medical advice or emergency care.
"Ask Dr Devi Raj" - Knowledge Hub
Screen Time in Children: 10 Questions Parents Ask
“Ask Dr. Devi Raj” is a practical psychology knowledge library for parents, adolescents, adults and families looking for clear answers to common emotional, behavioural, developmental and parenting concerns.
The answers are educational and should not be used as a substitute for individual psychological assessment, diagnosis, medical advice or emergency support.
1. How much screen time is too much?
There is no single number that fits every child. Consider age, content, sleep, physical activity, learning, relationships and the child's ability to stop.
2. Why does my child become angry when I remove the phone?
Highly stimulating activities can make transitions difficult, especially when limits are unpredictable.
3. Is mobile-phone use causing ADHD?
Mobile use does not simply cause ADHD, although excessive or poorly managed screen use can worsen attention and routine problems.
4. Should phones be allowed in bedrooms at night?
Keeping phones outside bedrooms can support healthier sleep and reduce unsupervised late-night use.
5. Why is my child addicted to gaming?
Gaming can provide achievement, social connection and rapid rewards. Problematic use should be assessed in the context of the child's overall functioning.
6. How can parents reduce screen time without daily fights?
Set predictable family rules, provide transition warnings and build appealing offline alternatives.
7. Is YouTube educational screen time?
Some content may be educational, but quality, supervision and balance still matter.
8. Should parents check teenagers' phones?
Parents need to balance safety, age, trust and privacy. Clear family agreements are better than secret surveillance in most situations.
9. Can social media affect self-esteem?
Yes. Constant comparison, appearance-focused content and social feedback can influence self-worth.
10. How can parents protect children online?
Teach privacy, safe communication, reporting, critical thinking and what to do when uncomfortable content appears.
