89% of Kerala Toddlers Exposed to Screens, Parents Use Mobiles for Feeding
A recent study conducted in Kerala by Dr. Manoj Mony, District President of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Kollam, has unveiled a significant level of screen exposure among toddlers. The findings indicate that 89.1% of toddlers are regularly exposed to screens, a trend observed across various educational and income levels.
The study revealed that 69% of parents admit to using mobile phones while feeding their children, with nearly half also noting that their childrens screen habits are influenced by siblings.
While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends zero screen time for children under 18 months and a maximum of 30 minutes daily under supervision for those under five, the Kerala study paints a different picture.
Screen exposure was found to be prevalent even in highly educated families, with children of postgraduate mothers showing 80% exposure and those with mothers of lesser education reaching nearly 100%.
Extended families reported higher exposure at 91% compared to nuclear families at 78%. Interestingly, families below the poverty line showed lower screen use, primarily due to limited access to smartphones. The findings underscore how digital dependence has become embedded in early childhood routines.