STAFF REPORTER
MUSCAT, OCT 3
Excessive screen time and unstructured digital exposure have emerged as critical public health challenges affecting young children and adolescents in Oman, according to a leading health professional. Experts are calling for balanced family lifestyles and stronger parental oversight to safeguard children from growing physical, psychological, and online safety risks.
Dr Waleed al Ruzaiqi, a consultant paediatrician, highlighted that paediatric clinics are witnessing an unprecedented rise in cases linked to heavy smartphone and tablet usage. Symptoms frequently reported by parents include persistent headaches, sudden academic decline, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and increasing social isolation.
"These cases are no longer exceptional; they have become a daily reality in our clinics," Dr Al Ruzaiqi said. He pointed out that many children under the age of ten now own personal connected devices, keeping them in constant proximity to digital screens — from morning routines and dining tables to late-night bedtime hours.
While digital devices offer immense potential for learning and creativity, unguided exposure opens the door to significant hazards. Beyond physical health issues like sedentary behaviour and poor sleep quality, specialists express deep concern over psychological impacts, including anxiety and lowered self-esteem driven by social media comparisons and short-form content consumption.
Furthermore, digital exposure poses severe safety threats, such as cyberbullying and online grooming, where predatory individuals exploit young users through interactive gaming platforms and social channels. Exposure to age-inappropriate content and misinformation also distorts young minds during critical developmental stages.
To combat these challenges, Dr Al Ruzaiqi emphasised that total technological prohibition is neither realistic nor effective. Instead, families must establish a structured digital environment built on trust, continuous open dialogue, and clear ground rules.
"Parental supervision should never mean spying or outright confiscation," Dr Al Ruzaiqi explained. "It is about creating an environment where parents remain actively involved, ensuring that children feel safe approaching them when encountering digital distress."
Health guidelines advise prioritising content quality alongside duration. Engaging in educational tasks or skill-building applications yields positive outcomes, whereas passive, fast-paced media consumption often impairs attention spans and deep focus capabilities.
Experts stress the necessity of offering healthy physical alternatives. Activities such as sports, reading, outdoor free play, and quality family time serve as foundational pillars for healthy cognitive development and emotional maturity.
"The real challenge for parents today is not just teaching children how to use technology, but guiding them on when to put it away," Dr Al Ruzaiqi said. "The greatest investment in our children is not buying the latest gadgets, but giving them undivided time, meaningful conversation uninterrupted by phone notifications, and real-life human experiences that no screen can replicate."
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