UAE Doctors Warn of Rising Childhood Issues Linked to Excessive Screen Time

Pediatricians in the UAE are observing a significant increase in children experiencing sleep difficulties and concentration problems, directly attributed to excessive screen time. This trend has led to urgent warnings that current school policies on phone usage are insufficient to safeguard young individuals.

Dr. Sudha Rao, a pediatric specialist at Aster Clinic in Al Jaddaf, has noted a marked rise in children presenting with issues stemming from prolonged screen exposure, particularly late at night. "We've seen a substantial increase in children with sleep disruptions that lead to disorganized body clocks or 'circadian rhythms,' resulting in fatigue and eye health problems like myopia," Dr. Rao stated. "Behavioral concerns, such as 'digital tantrums,' are also directly linked to excessive screen use."

Health and education professionals are emphasizing the critical role of parents in managing children's screen habits, advocating for devices to be kept out of bedrooms. Research from Saudi Arabia, involving 500 children aged six to 12, supports these concerns. The study found that 66.7% of children using screens for over four hours daily struggled to fall asleep, compared to only 9.5% of those using them for less than an hour. An Omani study cited by Dr. Rao reported that 33.7% of students with screen-induced visual impairment experienced poor sleep.

Furthermore, pediatric behavioral reports and UAE school studies authorized by the Dubai Health Authority indicate that children with less than two hours of recreational screen time daily scored 20-25% higher in attention and memory tasks than those exceeding four hours. Dr. Rao recommends keeping devices out of bedrooms at night.

School leaders acknowledge the necessity of technology for learning and entertainment but highlight the challenge of preventing devices from displacing essential developmental activities. Nevita Pandya, chief executive and principal of Gems International School, Dubai Hills, commented, "The question is no longer simply how much time children spend on screens, but what they are exposed to, how they engage, and what essential developmental experiences may be displaced."

Teachers are increasingly observing signs of tiredness, concentration difficulties, and frustration management issues among students. While these complex issues have multiple potential causes, Helen Pereira-Raso, superintendent and chief executive of Gems Dubai American Academy, stressed the need for home support to reinforce daytime boundaries. "For example, a school can intentionally protect attention and engagement throughout the day, but a child who is regularly losing sleep because of recreational device use may still struggle to participate fully in learning," she explained.

Dr. Rao advises parents to assess the impact of screen habits on various aspects of their children's lives, including homework, physical activity, family meals, and social interactions. "It is also deeply concerning if screen viewing becomes the only way a child manages boredom, stress, sadness, or difficult emotions," she added.

These concerns are amplified as children age. Ms. Pandya noted that younger children might miss opportunities for conversation, imaginative play, and social interaction, while adolescents face challenges related to sleep, social comparison, and peer relationships.

Experts suggest establishing consistent routines, including keeping devices out of bedrooms overnight and prioritizing family time. Dr. Rao proposes charging phones, tablets, and gaming devices in a shared space for one to two hours before bedtime and recommends screen-free mealtimes. For families struggling with arguments when devices are removed, she advises giving advance warnings and setting predictable stop times, possibly using timers to clarify boundaries. Planning alternative activities, such as outdoor play or interacting with pets, can ease transitions. She also encourages parents to remain calm and acknowledge frustration without compromising agreed-upon limits.

Many schools utilize phone pouches to secure devices during school hours, as shown in a photo by Chris Whiteoak / The National. Ms. Pereira-Raso emphasizes that parents must understand their children's online activities and their emotional responses. "We must also recognize that children need more than restrictions. They need adults who are curious about their digital experiences, who engage in conversations about what they encounter online, and who help them develop the capacity to make thoughtful choices," she stated.

At Gems International School, Dubai Hills, personal phones are required to be "on site, out of sight," a policy Ms. Pandya says aims to protect pupils' attention and minimize distractions. "Clear boundaries are an important part of a purposeful learning environment," she added.

Managing screen use should balance purposeful digital learning with activities like reading, practical tasks, and face-to-face discussions. "We cannot treat all screen time as equal," Ms. Pereira-Raso asserted. "A child passively consuming content for hours is having a fundamentally different experience from one using technology to investigate a complex problem, collaborate with peers, develop an idea, or create something meaningful."

Preparing children for a technologically advanced world requires developing their concentration, decision-making, and independent distraction management skills. "However, being future-ready does not mean spending more time on devices," Ms. Pandya cautioned.

These expectations extend to adults, with Ms. Pandya encouraging parents to reflect on their own technology use. Ms. Pereira-Raso suggests parents model desired habits by putting phones away during conversations. "Children are observing how we manage our own attention, whether we put our phones away during conversations, and how present we are in our relationships with them," she concluded.