Bhubaneswar: With smartphones fast turning into digital babysitters, experts warn that parents’ own screen habits are reshaping family interactions, with children mimicking phone use long before they grasp its impact, reigniting the debate on the right age for a child’s first phone.Dr Biswa Ranjan Mishra, professor and head of psychiatry department at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, said, “In busy households, smartphones are often used as convenient ‘digital babysitters’ to keep children calm or occupied. While this may help parents manage daily pressures, it can slowly replace moments of conversation, storytelling and play that are essential for a child’s growth.”He added, “Children learn most by observing adults, so when they frequently see parents scrolling on phone, they naturally begin to imitate the same habit. Over time, excessive screen use can reduce family interaction and limit opportunities for children to develop social skills, creativity and curiosity. It may also affect sleep, physical activity and emotional bonding within the family.”Mishra said childhood ideally should include outdoor play, exploration and face-to-face communication. Smartphones are useful tools, but they should not replace human connection. “Parents can help by setting simple boundaries, such as keeping phones away during meals, conversations and family time,” he added.“Creating small phone-free moments each day can strengthen relationships and help children feel heard and valued. As for owning a personal smartphone, many experts suggest waiting until around 13 to 15 years, when children are better able to understand responsibility and safe technology use,” Mishra said.Namita Mohanty, psychologist and former professor at Utkal University, said, “Many parents and family members often give mobile phones to children to distract them while eating. When babies cry or do not calm down, many parents show them content on phones and gradually, children get addicted to them.”“Parents need to be cautious when allowing their children to watch content on phones. Shorts and reels are so addictive that children get hooked on them. They should limit their smartphone use while they are at home. Parents or family members should tell stories to children, play with them and help them with creative activities. Continuous exposure to mobile phones is linked to developmental delay and behavioural issues. It will lead to other problems like obesity and mental health issues as well. Parents should take important steps to restrict their children’s mobile phone usage,” she added. A recent AIIMS Raipur study stated that an average child under the age of 5 in India spends close to 2.2 hours daily in front of screens, double the recommended limit.
