Post by : Saif Rahman

As we gear up for Children’s Day 2025, a leading neurologist at Apollo Hospitals is offering insightful recommendations for parents concerned about their children’s attention spans. In today's digital age, kids face distractions from various screens, leading to heightened restlessness.

Dr. Shekhar Patil, a senior neurologist at Apollo Hospitals in Navi Mumbai, highlights that screen addiction is a significant contributor to children’s focus challenges. He notes that many children spend excessive time on digital devices like tablets, smartphones, and TVs. These screens often present fast-paced videos and games, rendering real-world activities dull and tiresome, which can hinder a child’s task completion and attention during play or study times.

Dr. Patil explains that parents sometimes find it easier to allow more screen time because it keeps kids occupied. Unfortunately, this practice can diminish physical activity, strain their eyes, and considerably shorten attention spans. Many children today struggle to remain seated, listen attentively, or finish even simple tasks without becoming easily distracted.

To assist parents in addressing this issue, Dr. Patil provides five straightforward strategies to enhance children’s focus. One key recommendation is to reduce screen time, as excessive exposure can overwhelm their brains with rapid information, complicating their ability to concentrate on daily tasks such as reading, writing, or outdoor play.

Instead of relying on screens, Dr. Patil encourages parents to introduce hands-on activities like drawing, coloring, reading, and playing with building blocks, along with outdoor recreational time. Such enriching experiences can foster creativity and prolong attention spans in children.

He also emphasizes the importance of setting explicit daily limits for screen usage. Establishing a structured routine can help children grasp when screen time is permitted and when to engage in other activities. Dr. Patil believes that substituting screen time with real-world experiences can profoundly benefit a child’s cognitive development.

He assures that small changes can yield significant results. By moderating screen exposure and incorporating creative or physical activities, parents can assist children in enhancing their concentration, achieving greater calmness, and cultivating healthier lifestyle habits.

As Children’s Day serves to honor our youth, Dr. Patil underscores that nurturing children’s attention skills and healthy habits today will facilitate their educational and personal growth for years to come.

#Health #Wellness