Dhaka children spend 5 hours on screens daily, health risks soar: ICDDR,B

A vast majority of school-going children in Dhaka are spending over double the recommended time on digital screens, a study by the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) has found.

It linked excessive screen time with sleep deprivation, headaches, eye problems, obesity and mental health risks.

The research, conducted between 2022 and 2024, monitored 420 children aged 6 to 14 from six schools -- three Bangla-medium and three English-medium -- in Dhaka.

The findings were published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Human Factors, ICDDR,B said in a statement on Thursday.

The research found that four in five children, or 83 percent, spend more than two hours a day on screens. The internationally recommended limit for recreational screen use is around two hours per day.

On average, children spend about 4.6 hours daily on smartphones, television, tablets, computers and gaming devices.

Researchers used interviews, physical examinations and internationally validated questionnaires to assess sleep, behaviour and mental health, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and Development and Well-Being Assessment.

The study found that more than one-third of children suffer from eye problems, while 80 percent reported frequent headaches.

Children who used screens for more than two hours a day slept an average of only 7.3 hours.

Researchers noted that children in this age group require eight to 10 hours of sleep for healthy development.

Around 14 percent of the children were found to be overweight or obese, with higher rates among heavier screen users.

The study also found that about two in five children experienced one or more mental health issues such as anxiety, hyperactivity or behavioural problems.

Researchers said night-time screen use can overstimulate the brain and disrupt normal sleep cycles. Prolonged sitting reduces physical activity, increasing the risk of obesity, while excessive screen exposure may also strain the eyes, cause headaches and reduce concentration.

Lead researcher and Assistant Scientist at ICDDR,B Shahria Hafiz Kakon said parents should not ignore signs such as late sleeping, frequent headaches, eye discomfort, irritability, withdrawal from social interaction, reduced interest in outdoor play or declining concentration, as these may indicate excessive screen use affecting children’s physical and mental health.

Researchers advised following the “20-20-20” rule for eye care: after every 20 minutes of screen use, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

ICDDR,B Executive Director Tahmeed Ahmed said digital devices are now part of life, but limits are essential for children’s well-being.

He said, “According to World Health Organization guidance, recreational screen time for school-aged children should be limited to two hours a day. Parents should encourage outdoor play, physical activity, adequate sleep and screen-free family time, along with constructive activities such as debates, group study, library visits and caring for potted plants.”

Researchers said completely eliminating technology is not the solution. Instead, healthy and balanced digital habits should be developed at home and in schools, supported by simple guidelines and awareness activities for students, teachers and parents.