KUWAIT: With the rapid acceleration of the digital era, children’s use of smart devices has become a double-edged sword, offering pathways to knowledge and skill development while posing risks of isolation and addiction. Specialists in psychology, education and healthcare have highlighted the potential negative effects of prolonged screen time on children’s physical, cognitive and social development.
Head of the Ophthalmology Departments Council at the Ministry of Health, Dr Ahmed Al-Foudari, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Thursday that excessive use of smart devices can lead to eye strain, dryness, and vision problems, in addition to neck and back issues caused by prolonged sitting and poor posture. He advised that children under two years of age should avoid device use, except for family video calls, while children aged 5 to 17 should be limited to two hours daily in addition to schoolwork. Al-Foudari emphasized avoiding device use one hour before bedtime, keeping devices out of sleeping areas, and refraining from using them during meals to foster family interaction.
“Excessive screen time can contribute to anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal, negatively affecting communication skills and family relationships,” he said. He also urged parents to conduct regular eye examinations to detect potential problems early and safeguard their children’s visual health. Psychotherapist Alia Lari, from the Kuwait Center for Mental Health, warned of multiple psychological and physiological harms associated with excessive smart device use. “Children exposed to prolonged screen time are at risk of poor social communication, delayed language development, isolation, aggression, reduced attention spans, insomnia, and muscle atrophy,” Lari said. She noted that exposure to inappropriate or violent content can leave lasting effects on a child’s conscience and behavior.
Lari stressed that direct social interaction is essential for developing communication and empathy skills. Educational specialists advocate parental supervision, setting screen time limits, and guiding children toward content that fosters cognitive and skill development. A recent study conducted by Lari indicated that prolonged device use significantly diminishes children’s attention spans, affecting academic performance, particularly in early education.
“Controlling screen time and encouraging alternative real-world activities are vital to preventing digital addiction,” Lari said. She highlighted the importance of parental involvement in selecting age-appropriate games and applications, implementing usage controls, and gradually teaching children self-monitoring to cultivate responsible digital habits. She referred to World Health Organization guidelines, which advise no screen use for children under two, a maximum of one hour daily for ages two to five, and supervised usage for older children, ensuring it does not interfere with sleep or schoolwork.
Regarding digital safety, the Anti-Cybercrime Department at the Ministry of Interior cautioned that unsupervised device use exposes children to risks including inappropriate content, communication with strangers, cyberbullying and exploitation of personal data. The department warned against untrusted apps or games that may collect sensitive information and urged parents to educate children on safe practices, including not sharing passwords or private photos, avoiding unknown links, and using official app sources.
“To balance the benefits of technology with security, parents should moderate usage time, activate parental controls, and engage children in positive digital activities,” the department said. It emphasized that conscious supervision and proper guidance are the first line of defense in protecting children from online risks, ensuring their safe and healthy engagement with smart devices. — KUNA
