Over 8 in 10 Dhaka children spend too long on screens

A new icddr,b study has raised serious concern over children’s digital screen habits in Dhaka, revealing that 83 percent of school-going children aged 6 to 14 spend more than two hours a day on screens, putting their sleep, physical growth, eye health and mental wellbeing at risk.

The study conducted by researchers from icddr,b between 2022 and 2024 found that 83 percent of children aged 6 to 14 spend more than two hours a day on digital screens.

The study included 420 students from six schools in Dhaka, covering both Bangla-medium and English-medium institutions.

According to the findings, children spent an average of 4.6 hours daily using smartphones, televisions, tablets, computers and gaming devices – more than double the commonly recommended recreational screen-time limit.

The study, published in JMIR Human Factors, found that excessive screen use was associated with several health issues.

Around 80 percent of children frequently suffered headaches, while more than one-third reported eye-related problems.

Researchers also found that children using screens for more than two hours a day slept less, averaging only 7.3 hours per night, below the recommended 8 to 10 hours needed for healthy growth, learning and brain development.

The study also raised concerns about weight and mental health.
Around 14 percent of the children were overweight or obese, with higher rates among those exposed to screens for longer periods.

Nearly two in five children showed signs of mental health-related difficulties, including anxiety, hyperactivity, emotional distress and behavioural problems.

Health experts warned that late-night screen use can disturb natural sleep cycles by overstimulating the brain.

Long hours spent sitting with digital devices may also reduce outdoor play and physical activity, increasing the risk of obesity and poor concentration.

Researchers urged parents, schools and policymakers to take the issue seriously.

They recommended healthier screen habits, more outdoor activity, proper sleep routines and greater awareness about the impact of digital device use on children’s physical and mental wellbeing.

The study adds to growing global concern that excessive screen exposure is affecting children’s sleep, learning, emotional health and overall development.