Is It Safe To Use Mobile While Feeding Children: Nowadays, handing over mobile phones to children while feeding them has become a common habit. From calming a crying baby to keeping him occupied for a while, screens seem like an easy solution. But now doctors and researchers are giving clear warning regarding this. Screen exposure can be especially dangerous for children younger than one year and may increase the risk of developing autism-like symptoms by the age of three.
What came out in the research?
Researchers from Delhi’s AIIMS and other institutions have found that small children are very sensitive to the effects of digital screens. Experts recommend that children under 18 months of age should not be exposed to screens at all and should ideally be kept away from it for three years. Although doctors also clarify that a direct cause-effect relationship between screen time and clinical autism has not been proven, the chances of developing symptoms like “virtual autism” may definitely increase.
Meta analyzed
Researchers from AIIMS Raipur conducted a meta-analysis on 2,857 children under five years of age. It was revealed that the average screen time of children was 2.22 hours per day, which is almost double the recommendation of the World Health Organization. Often parents take the help of screens to keep children calm, manage anger or to give themselves some time. This method gives immediate relief, but in the long run it can affect the mental development of the child.
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In another study, 150 children affected by autism and 50 normal children aged 3 to 18 years were included. In this research, not only screen exposure but also device addiction and its psychological and behavioral effects were considered. This was a cross-sectional study, meaning children’s data were analyzed at a single point in time, so the full picture of long-term effects is not revealed.
What was the result?
Research found that children who had symptoms of autism had more screen exposure at an early age. There was a strong link between watching screens at an early age and autism, but it was not considered a direct cause.
What is autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child’s communication and social behavior. The brain develops rapidly in the early years, so this time is very important. Its signs include not making eye contact, delay in speaking and forgetting things previously learned.
What do experts say?
A key finding from AIIMS New Delhi research highlights that increased screen time in children under one year of age is associated with a higher risk of autism by the age of three.
The study suggests that greater screen exposure may increase the likelihood of autism-related… pic.twitter.com/U3Ubmhedek
— DD News (@DDNewslive) May 1, 2026
Dr. Shefali Gulati, head of the Department of Pediatric Neurology at AIIMS, said in the press conference that a lot of research has been done on autism spectrum disorder and screen time. Children who had more screen exposure at age one had more symptoms of autism by age three, especially in boys, although these signs were also seen in girls.”
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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