Post by : Saif
Al-Najjar
With Children’s Day 2025 approaching, a senior neurologist at Apollo Hospitals has provided valuable advice for parents concerned about their kids’ attention spans. Today's children are heavily influenced by screens, leading to increased distraction and restlessness.
Dr. Shekhar Patil, who specializes in pediatric neurology at Apollo Hospitals in Navi Mumbai, noted that excessive screen time is a key contributor to children's focus difficulties. Many youngsters spend excessive hours engaged with tablets, phones, and televisions, where fast-paced videos and games can make real-life experiences feel dull and slow. This phenomenon can impair their ability to complete tasks and stay attentive in school or during play.
Dr. Patil explained that parents often permit more screen time as it tends to keep kids occupied and quiet. However, this habit may lead to reduced physical activity, eye strain, and diminished attention spans. Many kids today struggle to sit still, listen actively, or finish simple tasks without being distracted.
To assist parents in tackling these issues, Dr. Patil outlined five practical tips aimed at enhancing children's focus. A key recommendation is to limit screen time, as excessive exposure can overwhelm a child's brain with quick information, making it challenging for them to concentrate on normal activities like reading, writing, or playing outside.
Rather than relying on screens, Dr. Patil encouraged parents to promote engaging hands-on activities. This could include drawing, coloring, immersing in storybooks, building with blocks, or exploring the outdoors. Such activities foster imagination and help children focus for extended periods.
He further suggested that parents establish clear daily guidelines for screen use. Setting a routine helps kids recognize when they can engage with screens and when to participate in other pursuits. Dr. Patil emphasized that swapping screen time for real-world interactions can greatly benefit a child’s cognitive development.
He stated that small adjustments can lead to significant improvements. By minimizing screen exposure and increasing creative or physical activities, parents can cultivate children's focus, promote calmness, and instill healthier habits.
As we celebrate Children’s Day, Dr. Patil reminds parents that fostering strong focus and healthy practices now will pave the way for their children’s learning and growth in the years to come.
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