Screen Addiction & Digital Dependency: A Growing Challenge for Child and Adolescent Health
In the past two decades, digital technology has transformed the way children and adolescents learn, communicate, and entertain themselves. Smartphones, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles are now deeply embedded in daily life. While these tools offer undeniable benefits—access to information, educational resources, and social connection—their excessive and uncontrolled use has given rise to a serious public health concern: screen addiction and digital dependency. This emerging issue has profound implications for child health, adolescent development, and psychological well-being, making it a critical topic for healthcare professionals, educators, researchers, and policymakers worldwide. Understanding Screen Addiction and Digital Dependency Screen addiction refers to compulsive and excessive use of digital devices that interferes with daily functioning, relationships, academic performance, and mental health. Digital dependency is closely related and describes a state in which individ...