Digital Addiction Alert: AIIMS Doctors Reveal Shocking Case of 12-Year-Old Spending 12 Hours Daily on Social Media
AIIMS doctors raise alarm over rising digital addiction among children after a shocking case where a 12-year-old spent nearly 12 hours daily online, triggering behavioural changes and family conflicts.
- Excessive social media use can cause digital addiction, behavioural changes, and school refusal in children.
- Experts say many kids move from online gaming chats to long hours on social media platforms.
- Doctors recommend screen-time limits, parental involvement, and digital curfews to protect children.
In the rapidly evolving digital age, smartphones have become common in the hands of children. What once appeared as a harmless gadget is now turning into a dangerous addiction that threatens young minds. Doctors from AIIMS have warned that excessive social media usage is increasingly harming children’s mental health and behaviour.
A shocking case highlights the seriousness of the problem. A 12-year-old boy named Rishi reportedly spent almost 10 to 12 hours every day on social media platforms. Over time, his online engagement became so intense that he began distancing himself from the real world, even refusing to attend school.
According to AIIMS Delhi psychiatry professor Dr. Yatan Pal Singh Balhara, the child gradually moved from online gaming to social media communities. Multiplayer games often introduce children to chat features, which then lead them into social media groups where they spend hours interacting with strangers.
As the addiction deepened, the boy started participating in discussions far beyond his age. Experts say many children feel the need to appear “mature” online, which pushes them into conversations that affect their judgement and emotional development. Eventually, this behaviour made him socially isolated in real life.
The situation worsened when the child began showing aggressive behaviour at home. Reports indicate that he even became physically violent toward his parents when they tried to restrict his phone usage. Doctors say such behavioural shifts are common among children suffering from severe digital addiction.
Experts identify several warning signs in addicted children. They often refuse to attend school, show declining academic performance, and avoid conversations with family members. Many also become obsessed with gaining likes and comments on social media posts.
Dr. Balhara emphasised that governments are now considering the idea of a “digital curfew” to protect children from excessive screen exposure. According to him, such measures are not meant to punish children but to safeguard their developing brains from addiction.
Parents also play a crucial role in addressing the issue. Specialists recommend setting strict screen-time limits and encouraging children to use technology primarily for learning purposes. Spending more quality time with children can also reduce their digital isolation and help them build healthier habits.
The case serves as a strong reminder that while technology is a powerful tool, uncontrolled use can quietly turn into a serious threat to a child’s mental and social well-being.
