Long screen time may stunt growth, cause myophia

KUALA LUMPUR: The excessive use of electronic gadgets by children can stunt their mental and emotional development, besides the risk of developing short-sightedness at a young age.

Dr Azura Ramlee, an ophthalmologist at the Prof Muhaya Eye & Lasik Centre (PMELC) said the increasing cases of myopia among children due to the frequent use of gadgets was an issue that should be addressed urgently.

“The use of gadgets among children should not exceed two hours a day,” she told Bernama.

She said a study done in 2005 showed that 9.8 per cent of seven-year-olds suffered from short-sightedness and 34.4 per cent for those aged 15.

“The use of gadgets among children (at that time) was still (comparatively) low, and now the statistics are expected to increase with uncontrolled use. Many patients who come to treat blurred vision have a habit of looking at digital screens for long periods,” she said.

Dr Azura added that the American Academy of Pediatrics had recommended no screen time for children under two years, while it was one hour a day for three- to five-year-olds, one to one and a half hours a day

The use of gadgets among children should not exceed two hours a day. Dr Azura Ramlee

for children six to 10, and two hours for children aged 11 to 13.

She said the recommendation serves as a guide for parents to start controlling their children’s time with gadgets.

Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Hannah Yeoh had previously stated that the influence of gadgets on children in the country was alarming, and a poll by the National Population and Family Development Authority found that 78.3 per cent of parents in the Klang Valley allowed their children to have gadgets.

Meanwhile, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia counselling psychologist Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzil Che Din said excessive use of gadgets among children could negatively impact their mental and emotional development processes, if not handled properly.

“For example, if there is no gadget (to play with), an aggressive child will get angry and show behaviour such as